Margaret Thatcher’s cremation in private ceremony at Mortlake Crematorium

Former British PM Margaret Thatcher was this afternoon cremated at Mortlake Crematorium in South-West London.

After a reception for the guests at her ceremonial funeral, Margaret Thatcher’s body was driven from St Paul’s Cathedral to the suburban district.

Margaret Thatcher’s ashes are due to be interred next to those of her beloved husband Denis, who died in 2003, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Following the spectacular funeral at St Paul’s, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh joined Lady Thatcher’s family to watch her coffin loaded into a hearse and taken to the Chelsea hospital in preparation for her final journey.

Relatives then moved on to a reception at the Guildhall to thank the funeral guests for their attendance.

After the reception ended, Margaret Thatcher’s coffin left Central London – roughly four hours after the conclusion of the funeral service.

The vehicle was accompanied by police motorcyclists en route to Mortlake Crematorium.

The convoy drove west through Central London, and crossed Putney Bridge on its way to the suburb in the Borough of Richmond.

Dozens of onlookers lined the street and applauded as the coffin entered through the crematorium gates, which were guarded by two police officers.

Another two police officers saluted as the hearse went into the grounds, followed by two Jaguar cars and a Range Rover.

Two coaches carrying guests had arrived at the crematorium half an hour earlier, for a private service before the cremation.

Margaret Thatcher’s ashes will eventually be buried with those of Sir Denis, under a marble slab in the grounds of the famous hospital.

Other well-known figures to have been cremated at Mortlake Crematorium include comedian Tommy Cooper, actor Michael Redgrave and political journalist Robin Day.

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