Prince WilliamandPrince Harrywalked together during the procession to Westminster Abbey behind their grandmotherQueen Elizabeth’s coffin on Monday.
The Prince of Wales, 40, and the Duke of Sussex, 38, walked next to each other asQueen Elizabeth’s coffin moved across the Palace of Westminster complexfor her state funeralin London on Monday. The brothers solemnly strode behind the Queen’s coffin after it ceremoniously exited Westminster Hall bound for the funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Beside Prince Harry was their cousin,Princess Anne’s sonPeter Phillips. Beside Prince William was his oldest child,Prince George.
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Prince William and Prince Harry.MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty
Princess Anne’s husband SirTim Laurence, the Queen’s cousin Prince Richard the Duke of Gloucester and the Queen’s nephew David Armstrong-Jones the Earl of Snowdon made up the row behind William and Harry.
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Prince William and Prince Harry.MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images
The moment was reminiscent of the princes' participation in theprocession of the Queen’s coffinfrom Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday.
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession.BBC
While speaking with mourners outside Sandringham House last week,Prince Williamsaid the ceremonial procession ofQueen Elizabeth’s coffin through the streets of Londonreminded himof the same ritual following the death of his motherPrincess Dianain 1997.
Prince William and Prince Harry.AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty
“He said how difficult it was yesterday and how it reminded him of his mum’s funeral,” said mourner Jane Wells,The Telegraphreported. “Catherine said it’s just been such a difficult time for all of them, for the whole family.”
On that somber day, William and Harry — then ages 15 and 12, respectively — followed a route that began at Kensington Palace, Princess Diana’s London home, to Westminster Abbey.
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, that walk,” William admitted in the 2017 BBC documentaryDiana, 7 Days.“It felt like she was almost walking along beside us to get us through it.”
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After the coffin has been transported to Windsor, they will again follow it down the Long Walk to St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle for the committal service.
Later, a privateburial ceremonywill take place.
St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.Getty
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” he said. “So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.”
“I, however,have lost a grandmother,” he continued, reflecting on what the Queen meant to his family. “And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.”
William added, “My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”
Prince Harryshared his own statement rememberingQueen Elizabeth.
“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen — and in mourning her loss — we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband,Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: ‘Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.’ "
“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile,” he concluded. “We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
source: people.com
