Peggy Carter's coffin was carried into London's Saint Paul's Cathedral. The choir sang a dirge nearby, their youthful voices resonating through the exquisite gilded murals and circular dome, gradually swelling into overlapping, solemn chants. Steve Rogers walked on the right, leading the other pallbearers to the altar. They set the coffin upon its bier, with Peggy's portrait and wreath placed beside it. Unlike most funerals in the United States, the coffin was not opened and piled with flowers for mourners to pay their respects. Instead, in accordance with Protestant tradition, it was covered with white linen embroidered with golden crosses at the four corners, as if the organizers did not wish anyone to see anything beyond the young woman in military uniform in the black-and-white portrait. The priest stood at the pulpit beneath the blue stained-glass windows, waiting for the people in the cathedral to take their seats, then welcomed them with a brief prayer. After the lengthy rites of readings from the Psalms and the Gospel, a sermon, recitation of the common creed, general intercessions, the first part of the Eucharistic liturgy, music, prayers for the dead, and more, the priest said, "Now, please welcome Sharon Carter to give her remarks."
Natasha Romanoff did not remain in the cathedral for long. After conveying Salomon's condolences to Steve Rogers, she left early to get some air. She had deliberately chosen an inconspicuous seat, so few people noticed when she departed. Natasha climbed the transept stairs to the outer gallery of Saint Paul's Cathedral's famous Baroque dome, gazing into the distance at the River Thames and the oddly shaped Millennium Bridge spanning it. Peggy Carter's death was regrettable, yet it also brought a sense of relief, as though this day had finally arrived.
Saint Paul's Cathedral would not be open to