By Eileen Primus
Are the little ones up to this big role?
On Sunday there was speculation, now it is clear: heir to the throne William (40) is bringing his eldest son Prince George (9) to the Queen’s state funeral († 96).
The number two heir to the throne will walk behind the monarch’s coffin on Monday afternoon, as will his sister Charlotte (7, number 3 of the line of succession).
So George and Charlotte will say goodbye to their “Gan Gan” – George’s nickname for the royal great-grandmother – in front of the whole world. With a view to the succession to the throne, this is a strong symbolic message.
William was torn by his grief trauma for a long time – as a 15-year-old he accompanied his mother Diana’s funeral († 36). For him “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do…”.
The fact that the two children of William and Kate (40) are there is evident from the program of the service in Westminster Abbey, which was published on Sunday evening. Also, WHO is positioned where is firmly written in the meticulously planned process.
Accordingly, George and Charlotte join the procession behind the coffin inside the church. They will walk between Mom, Dad, Uncle Harry (38) and Aunt Meghan (41).
Prince Louis, William and Kate’s youngest child at four, will not be there. The little one, who delighted the world with his grimaces and moods for the Queen’s jubilee in July, is still a little too small.
Around 2,000 guests, including heads of state and government and crowned heads from all over the world, are expected to attend the funeral service as part of the state funeral. BILD reports all day live.
Words of thanks from King Charles III.
The British king (73) spoke personally on Sunday evening, the day before his beloved mother’s funeral. And thanked the public for the great sympathy after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We were touched beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their last respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, the late Queen,” said Charles.
He continued, “As we all prepare for our final goodbyes, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the countless people who have been such support and comfort to my family and I during this time of grief.”
He and his wife Camilla were “deeply touched” by the condolences and support from the UK and around the world.