The Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge concealed her emotions behind dark sunglasses as she departed Windsor Castle following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, while Prince William rushed back from Balmoral to be by his family’s side.
Today marked the first public appearance of the Duchess, who was clad in somber black attire, as she was spotted driving to collect her three children from school after their inaugural week at Lambrook near Ascot.
The young heirs, Prince George IX, Princess Charlotte VII, and four-year-old Prince Louis, will undoubtedly feel the weight of their great-grandmother’s absence as they embark on a new chapter at Adelaide Cottage within the Windsor Castle grounds.
The royal siblings, affectionately known as “the gang,” joyfully ascended the steps of their new preparatory school earlier this week, eliciting smiles from their parents, William and Kate.
Despite the nation plunging into mourning within 48 hours, the Duchess opted to remain in Windsor to provide support to the children at school, while William hastily traveled to Aberdeenshire aboard an RAF aircraft.
As the heir to the throne, Prince William hastened back to his family from Balmoral, where he had hurried to bid farewell to his grandmother before her passing.
Tomorrow, he is scheduled to attend the accession council, during which his father, Charles III, will be officially declared king.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry reunited with Meghan today after a brief visit to Balmoral to pay his respects to the late Queen.
Reports suggest that the Sussexes intend to prolong their stay in Britain for another ten days, awaiting the state funeral.
The Duke of Sussex bore a visage etched with sorrow as he arrived at Windsor Castle this afternoon, having raced against time to reach his grandmother’s side before her demise.
King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Consort Camilla, made his way to Buckingham Palace to receive condolences from mourners, with chants of “God save the King” resonating through the air.
As the world mourns the loss of its longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, adorned with a wreath of her favorite flowers, is believed to lie in repose in the ballroom of Balmoral, a place she cherished alongside Prince Philip.
King Charles III departed for London, where he is set to meet the Prime Minister before addressing the nation, while his siblings remain at Balmoral.
The proclamation of King Charles III is slated to take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. during the Accession Council at St. James’s Palace.
Prince Harry, the last royal to arrive at Aberdeenshire Castle last night, was also the first to depart this morning, journeying back to Meghan in London.
Despite the brevity of his visit, Prince Harry, clad in mourning attire, extended a comforting hand to an airport worker who offered her sympathies before boarding a flight to Heathrow.
Grief-stricken upon his return to Scotland, Prince Harry conveyed his respects to his grandmother alongside his father and brother during his brief stay at Balmoral.
The somber events of the past days have brought the royal family together in mourning and reflection, underscoring the unity and resilience that characterize the monarchy in times of loss.
As the nation bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, each member of the royal family grapples with their personal grief while upholding the traditions and duties that define their roles.
In the face of profound sorrow, the royal family stands united, drawing strength from their shared history and the enduring legacy of the monarch they have lost.
Related Stories
