Photos: Colin Powell's funeral

In pictures: Colin Powell's funeral

From left, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush are seated during Colin Powell's funeral on Friday, November 5.

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Updated 2:21 PM EDT, Fri November 5, 2021

The life and legacy of Colin Powell, the first Black US secretary of state, was honored during his funeral service on Friday, November 5.

Former presidents, dignitaries and friends gathered for the service at Washington National Cathedral, which was closed to the public.

Powell died on October 18 due to complications from Covid-19 at the age of 84. Though he was fully vaccinated against Covid-19, Powell, who had multiple myeloma and Parkinson's, was immunocompromised, putting him at greater risk to the virus.

Coronavirus safety measures will be followed to protect the health of the attendees, according to the cathedral, which has hosted the funerals of top Washington officials and public servants.

Alma Powell acknowledges people at the end of her husband's funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

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Michael Powell, Colin Powell's son, touches his father's casket as he walks up to the podium to give a eulogy. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/colin-powell-funeral-services-11-05-21/h_b6ff19d6d575f2e3e706588043d80208" target="_blank">He painted a picture</a> of what his father was like at home. "Dad was famous for his 13 rules, but our family life was unregimented. No morning revelry or marching drills. It was a warm and joyous and loving home anchored by our strong and graceful mother Alma," he said.

Michael Powell, Colin Powell's son, touches his father's casket as he walks up to the podium to give a eulogy. He painted a picture of what his father was like at home. "Dad was famous for his 13 rules, but our family life was unregimented. No morning revelry or marching drills. It was a warm and joyous and loving home anchored by our strong and graceful mother Alma," he said.

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Clergy surround Powell's casket during the funeral.

Andrew Harnik/AP

President Biden holds his rosary during the funeral.

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Bishop Michael Curry presides over the funeral service.

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Madeleine Albright, who served as secretary of state in the Bill Clinton administration and was Colin Powell's predecessor, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/colin-powell-funeral-services-11-05-21/h_822c5b2ad92907c3cd8ea1cd0a0a9cb2" target="_blank">deliver remarks.</a> She noted that despite their differences in ideas or background, they were able to become close friends. "The reason is that beneath that glossy exterior of warrior statesman was one of the gentlest and most decent people any of us will ever meet," she said.

Madeleine Albright, who served as secretary of state in the Bill Clinton administration and was Colin Powell's predecessor, deliver remarks. She noted that despite their differences in ideas or background, they were able to become close friends. "The reason is that beneath that glossy exterior of warrior statesman was one of the gentlest and most decent people any of us will ever meet," she said.

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Guests attend the funeral, which was closed to the public.

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Richard Armitage, who served for a time as Powell's deputy secretary of state, delivers a eulogy. He recalled Powell's "sense of humor, his insatiable curiosity and his comfort in his own skin."

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