Queen’s funeral: Prince George, Princess Charlotte farewell Gan-Gan
An emotional Princess Charlotte is comforted, as she shares a personal moment with her older brother George.
World
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She kept her composure throughout the funeral, but this was the moment when it all got too much for young Princess Charlotte.
The seven year old, who was the youngest attendee at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, was seen being comforted by her mother, the Princess of Wales, as the post-funeral procession up The Mall began.
The young royal, who is now officially the third in line to the throne, later accompanied her brother, mother and Queen Consort Camilla in the car for the slow journey back to Buckingham Palace.
The Queen was an adored figure to Princess Charlotte and her brothers, Princes George and Louis, who called her ‘Gan-Gan’.
Princess Charlotte’s composure during other public events was reportedly a factor in her parents’ decision to include her in today’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
CHARLOTTE AND GEORGE SHARE SPECIAL MOMENT
Princess Charlotte chatted with her brother as the Queen’s coffin was moved from the gun carriage to the State Hearse for her trip to Windsor Castle.
The seven-year-old was watching proceedings, and pointed to her great-grandmother’s coffin, appearing to ask a question of her older brother.
Prince George, 9, who had his head bowed, replied.
The personal moment between the young children mourning their great-grandmother was in contrast to the pomp and ceremony of a very public funeral watched by up to 4 billion people.
Crowds, including many who had waited seven hours in the streets, applauded the Queen’s coffin as it travelled through London.
The Queen’s car trip to Windsor came at the end of a stirring march where the Queen passed Downing St, the Cenotaph war memorial, and Buckingham Palace for the last time.
Prince George, and Princess Charlotte followed behind the march, which included their father Prince William, uncle Prince Harry and grandfather King Charles III, in a car with Princess Catherine and Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The young Prince George watched the crowds through the window of his car, seeing a vision of what his life will be like one day when he eventually becomes King.
GEORGE, CHARLOTTE FAREWELL GAN-GAN
The parallels were obvious, as Prince George and Princess Charlotte looked mature beyond their years, as they solemnly accompanied their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, at the funeral of the Queen, at Westminster Abbey.
However, in the end, the children decided to honour their beloved Gan-Gan, as George called the Queen.
But, with duty as part of their job description, some of Queen Elizabeth II’s great-grandchildren, with her extended family, were there, in Westminster Abbey to finally say goodbye to their record-breaking monarch, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined their parents and thousands of other mourners to farewell their beloved great-grandmother.
The young prince, aged nine, and the seven-year-old princess melted hearts around the world as they stood with the Prince and Princess of Wales and followed Queen Elizabeth’s coffin into Westminster Abbey.
After arriving at the Abbey, Princess Charlotte, who was wearing a hat, could be seen looking down at the floor, glancing upwards occasionally.
Catherine was seen placing a reassuring hand on her daughter’s back.
Prince William walked down the aisle alongside and his wife and children, surrounded by other members of the royal family.
A sombre looking Princess Charlotte and Prince George followed the procession as the Queen’s coffin made its way down the aisle of Westminster Abbey.
The Princess of Wales was dressed in a black Alexander McQueen coat dress and Philip Treacy hat and veil, with the late Queen’s pearl and diamond necklace and Diana’s pearl and diamond earrings.
The loving mother reassured George and Charlotte, as they stayed close by her side, accompanied by the moving strains of the choir.
George glanced up at his father and Charlotte walked carefully alongside her mother, at one point, holding her hand.
Charlotte had a horseshoe brooch pinned to her lapel, in a nod to her great-grandmother’s love of horses.
They were followed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan in a black cape dress and hat and pearl and diamond earrings given to her by the Queen.
Prince Harry’s face was a study in sadness as he participated in the procession behind the Queen’s casket, while Meghan Markle’s face was largely masked by the broad brim of her dark hat.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte were seated in the front row, alongside their father, mother and grandfather, King Charles III.
The young Prince was pictured singing The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended while he stood between his parents.
During the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon, George read the order of service while sister Charlotte was seen whispering to her mother.
It is the first appearance of the Queen’s great-grandchildren since the monarch died.
Originally published as Queen’s funeral: Prince George, Princess Charlotte farewell Gan-Gan
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