Decidedly, this four-day vigil of the coffin of Elizabeth II in London offers exceptional images: hundreds of thousands of Britons queuing for more than 12 hours to be able to see him, David Beckham, moved as rarely… But also the royal family, who made a surprise appearance this Friday evening, almost in full force.
While King Charles III, Princess Anne and Princes Edward and Andrew took their places next to their mother’s coffin for a quarter-hour vigil, as they had announced, the public, who continued to parade, was surprised, indeed, to see the arrival of the queen consort Camilla, but also grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II!
For the first time, it was very young members of the royal family who paid tribute to him: they came with their father Peter Phillips, Savannah and Isla, 11½ and 10were still shy but dignified, both dressed in black.
The two little girls then found Mia and Lena, 8 and 4 years old, their cousins born of the union between Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall (who also have a son, Lucas, 1 year old). Always at his wife’s side for important royal family events, the former rugby player also seemed particularly moved.
Granddaughters of Princess Anne, the four little girls were later joined by Wolfie, the stepson of Beatrice of York.
George, Charlotte and Louis of Wales this Saturday?
Very rare at only 6 years old, the little boy remained very wise alongside his mother-in-law and his father, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. No way, however, for the princess to take her little Sienna, only one year old, with her in such moments! His sister Eugenie had not taken her son August, 19 months, either.
Among the other members of the royal family present, there was Sophie de Wessex, the wife of Prince Edward, considered by Elizabeth II as a rock and who seemed once again collapsed, her face very marked. Her children, the very young Louise (18) and James (14) stayed around her waiting for a big event this Saturday.
Indeed, the royal family has confirmed a new “Veille des Princes” but this time, with the eight grandchildren of Elizabeth II. Peter and Zara Phillips, Eugenie and Beatrice from York but also Louise and James should therefore make their grand return to Westminster Hall and find their cousins William and Harry there.
These will perhaps be accompanied by their wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, and perhaps children of Prince William, George, Charlotte and Louis of Wales (9, 7 and 4 years old)who were also particularly close to the queen.