From Churchill to Diana to Queen Elizabeth, Notes Atop Royal Caskets Have a Poignant History

As the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II unfolded on Sept. 19, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a note atop the late monarch's casket amid a wreath of flowers and greenery.

The note, written by King Charles III, the eldest son of Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, is just the latest entry in a long tradition. For decades, notes have been left atop royal caskets to share a final message.

Read more and follow live updates from Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral here

An early occurrence traces back to 1952 during the funeral of King George VI, Elizabeth's father. George died at just 51 years old, catapulting his 26-year-old daughter into the royal spotlight. He led the nation through World War II and became close to Winston Churchill, who became prime minister in 1940.

When George died, a note from Churchill was displayed prominently in a wreath sent by the prime minister.

The note simply read "For valour," according to the International Churchill Society. The message was taken from the words on the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military honor.

When Winston Churchill died in 1965 and had a state funeral, Elizabeth, now queen, left a note atop his grave. That one read "From the nation and the Commonwealth in grateful remembrance, Elizabeth R." (The "R" stood for "regina," the Latin word for "queen".)

When the queen's mother, known as Elizabeth the Queen Mother, died at 101 in 2002, her daughter wrote a short note that was placed on the coffin.

"In Loving Memory, Lilibet," the monarch wrote on Buckingham Palace letterhead, using her familial nickname.

The tradition was also carried on among Elizabeth's grandchildren.

When Princess Diana was laid to rest after her death at 36 in 1997, her sons, Prince William, who was 15 at the time, and Prince Harry, who was 12, broke hearts around the world when they left a simple note reading "Mummy" on her funeral wreath.

The tradition has also continued into recent years. When Prince Philip died at 99 years old in 2021, his wife of over seven decades left a sweet note atop his casket.

"I love you," read the message, in part. Letters played an important part in Philip and Elizabeth's courtship, making the handwritten note especially meaningful.

When the monarch was laid to rest Monday after her death on Sept. 8, Charles, the new monarch, continued the decades-old tradition.

Amid a wreath of flowers and foliage cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House, the new king left a short, simple message.

"In loving and devoted memory. Charles R,” he wrote. In this case, the “R” stood for “rex,” the Latin word for king.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com