The solemn vigil for Queen Elizabeth II has commenced, with her eight grandchildren taking turns to keep watch over her coffin in Westminster Hall.
Among those participating are King Charles‘ children, Princes William and Harry, alongside Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, and Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, the latter being just 14 years old.
Notably, an intervention has granted Prince Harry permission to wear military uniform during the vigil, a privilege he was initially not going to be afforded.
During the lying-in state on Saturday, Prince William, Prince Harry, and the other grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II stood vigil over her coffin for 15 minutes in Westminster Hall.
This momentous occasion marked the Royal Family’s preparations to bid farewell to the late monarch at her upcoming state funeral.
Joining the brothers were Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, who are the offspring of Prince Edward.
The presence of the Earl and Countess of Wessex was noted, offering support to their children during this somber event.
Prince Harry, as a non-working member of the Royal Family, donned military attire at the request of King Charles III for the vigil.
This departure from his usual mourning suit attire was a poignant gesture during this period of mourning.
The vigil by the grandchildren follows a similar appearance by Charles and his siblings the previous day, setting the stage for the Queen’s state funeral scheduled for Monday.
The passing of the monarch on September 8 after a remarkable 70-year reign has triggered a nationwide outpouring of grief and remembrance.
Despite longstanding tensions, Princes William and Harry have set aside their differences to make joint appearances at various events in honor of their grandmother.
A recent unannounced walkabout in Windsor saw the brothers accompanied by their wives, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, paying respects at memorials left for the Queen.
The heartfelt joint statement issued by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie expressed deep gratitude and sorrow for their beloved grandmother’s passing, highlighting her pivotal role as a matriarch and guide in their lives.
In their touching tribute, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie reminisced about the invaluable lessons and cherished memories bestowed upon them by their dear granny.
The sisters conveyed their profound sense of loss and emphasized the enduring impact of the Queen’s leadership.
As they bid farewell to their grandmother, the princesses expressed immense pride in being her granddaughters and conveyed their belief that she is now reunited with her beloved grandpa.
The world’s tributes, they noted, truly reflect the remarkable legacy of the Queen, bringing a smile to her face in the heavens.
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