AsPrince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottejoined their parents during the procession followingQueen Elizabeth’s funeral service at Westminster Abbey, Sophie, Countess of Wessex laid a reassuring arm around the young royal.
Sophie, the 57-year-old wife of George’s great uncle Prince Edward, walked alongside the prince, 9, his sister Charlotte, 7, and their mother,Kate Middleton.
About an hour earlier, George and Charlotte took part in the royal family procession behind the Queen’s coffin alongside their parentsPrince Williamand Kate Middleton. Kate escorted the little ones into the service at Westminster Abbey, though William arrived earlier alongsideKing Charles III.
From left: Sophie, Countess of Wessex with Prince George of Wales, plus Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales.Gareth Cattermole/Getty
William and Kate spent last week carefully considering whether to include their eldest two children in the procession and service, PEOPLE understands. With the eyes of the world on them, their parents kept in mind the fact that George and Charlotte were at Westminster Abbey forPrince Philip’s memorial service in March.
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Last week, King Charles, 73, addressed the United Kingdom for the first time after the Queendied at the age of 96. Among the changes announced, Charles shared that William and Kate had inherited the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Duchess of Sussex, the Queen Consort, Prince George, the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte and the Countess of Wessex leaving the Queen’s state funeral.Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty
Their three children — who are now thesecond, third and fourthin line to the throne — go from being Princes and Princess of Cambridge to beingPrinces and Princess of Wales. Therefore, they are nowPrince Georgeof Wales,Princess Charlotteof Wales andPrince Louisof Wales.
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George and Charlotte are expected to be in attendance at the Queen’s committal service at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel this afternoon.
source: people.com
