The viewing figures expected for the Queen's funeral are truly mindblowing

The Queen's funeral is taking place today (September 19) and it is anticipated to be "the biggest live TV event in history," with 4.1 billion people predicted to watch the occasion.

After 70 years on the throne, the oldest and longest reigning British monarch passed away in Balmoral on September 8, and after lying-in-state for six days (14-19 September) in Westminister Hall, her funeral service will begin at 11 am at Westminster Abbey.

Coverage of the state funeral will air on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, Sky News, ITV (and ITV's main channels including the ITV Hub), as well as international channels broadcasting the event in different countries.

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Due to this significant moment in history, Carolina Beltramo, TV analyst at WatchTVAbroad.com predicts a "no fewer than 4.1 billion" will tune in to watch the funeral, a record-breaking number of viewers "as half the people on planet Earth pause to pay their respects."

"Such is the love and admiration for Queen Elizabeth II around the world that her funeral is destined to be the biggest live TV event in history," Beltramo told Metro.

"Generations of people across the globe won’t have been alive the last time pomp and pageantry were seen on this scale.

"While it’s a sad occasion, they can be forgiven for being enthralled by a spectacle that echoes throughout history. For that reason alone they’ll be drawn to witness the dawn of this new age in their billions," she added.

To put this in perspective, here is a rundown of the most watched TV broadcasts of all time:

1. Live 8 (2005) – 2 billion
2. Live Aid (1985)– 1. 9billion
3. CCTV New Year's Gala (2019) – 1.1billion
4. Sydney New Year's Eve 2010–2011 (2010) – 1.1billion
5. Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer (1981) – 1 billion
6. First inauguration of Barack Obama (2009) – 1 billion
7. The Wall – Live in Berlin (1990) – 1 billion
8. Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011) – 1 billion
9. Munich massacre (1972) – 900million
10. The moon landing (1969) – 652million
11. The assassination of John F. Kennedy (1963) – 600million
12. Summer Olympics opening ceremony (2008) - 593million

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