The funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of the longest reign in British history.

Inside Westminster Abbey, around two thousand people paid their respects to the late monarch, with countless lining the streets and parks of the city and the United Kingdom.

Allan Sparkes is one of only five recipients of the Cross of Valour, Australia’s highest bravery decoration, and attended the funeral after an invitation from Buckingham Palace.

Allan shares with John his personal experience from inside Westminster Abbey, explaining how powerful the moment was.

“I’ve sensed mortality on two occasions in my life, one was the passing of my father, and today,

“In real terms, it was a family funeral,” says Sparkes.

Download this podcast here