In pictures: Sir Edmund Hillary funeral

As dignitaries from around the world gathered in Auckland for the state funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary, members of the defence forces guarded his casket before the service.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark (middle left) accompanied the mountaineer's widow, Lady June Hillary (middle right), into the service at St Mary's Cathedral.

Thousands of mourners around the country - like these crowds in Auckland - watched the event on large outdoor screens set up in several main centres.

As Sir Edmund's coffin was carried out of the cathedral, a group of his fellow mountaineers formed a guard of honour, creating an arch of ice axes to show their respect.

The funeral of the first man to conquer the world's tallest mountain brought together 500 guests, including Sherpas and Buddhist monks as well as friends and family.

The climber's position as a national icon was in no doubt as members of the public thronged Auckland's streets to pay their last respects to Sir Edmund on his final journey.

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