Two years ago today, the world bid a final farewell to the late Queen after her remarkable 70-year reign. Nearly two weeks following her passing at the age of 96, the former monarch was laid to rest in a full state funeral at Westminster Abbey and an emotional committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Among the youngest mourners at both services were her cherished great-grandchildren Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, and Princess Charlotte. They arrived at the chapel with their mum, the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla, while their grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William followed the late monarch’s coffin. During the service, Charlotte sat next to her mum Kate as well as her uncle Prince Harry who was seated next to wife Meghan Markle. At one point, Charlotte was seen adjusting her hat before glancing over at her uncle. Harry then briefly looked up, caught her eye and smiled at the princess, reports the Mirror. Before the service, it was uncertain if George and Charlotte would walk in the procession in the chapel as their names did not appear in the order of service. However, they took their places for their second role of the day in the committal service, seemingly following a decision by their parents William and Kate. Earlier that day, the young royals Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey with their parents, part of the 2,000-strong congregation gathered to honour their great-grandmother. In a role that foreshadows his future as king, George, alongside Charlotte, who mirrored her mother’s elegance in a smart black hat, witnessed the deep respect and admiration for the Queen. Barely visible due to their youth, they were nestled between their parents during the procession within the abbey. Deviating from the initial plan, William and Kate chose to walk on either side of their children, offering a protective presence, with Kate gently holding Charlotte’s hand. It is believed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge deliberated extensively and engaged in discussions with George and Charlotte before deciding they should be present – and so the siblings walked with their parents behind the Queen’s coffin into Westminster Abbey. Following the service, the Queen’s coffin was moved to the State Hearse at Wellington Arch, set to travel to Windsor for the committal ceremony later in the day – it was then that Charlotte seemed to advise her elder brother. She appeared to instruct George to “you need to bow” as the Queen’s coffin passed by them. Echoing the gestures of her great-grandmother, Charlotte pointed authoritatively with her finger, reminiscent of the late monarch. Taking his sister’s counsel, George was observed bowing his head in a poignant gesture of respect as the Queen’s coffin departed. Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
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