The Princess of Wales showed how she was looking out for her two eldest children as they attended the funeral of their great-grandmother. Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined their parents Kate and William, the Prince of Wales, as Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest on Monday, September 19.
Royal fans were overcome with emotion as Prince George, nine, and his younger sister Princess Charlotte, seven, gathered with 2,000 people in Westminster Abbey to remember their late great-grandmother, who they affectionately called 'Gan Gan', as millions watch the televised service across the globe.
After arriving alongside their mother and Camilla, Queen Consort, George and Charlotte walked through the gothic church with the royal family, in procession behind the Queen’s coffin as it was carried by the military bearer party. Their grandfather, the King with the Queen Consort were immediately behind the coffin, followed by the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, then the Duke of York, followed by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and then the Prince and Princess of Wales.
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George and Charlotte, who called the late Queen 'Gan Gan', were together, behind their parents, walking side-by-side in formation, followed by their uncle and aunt the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and other members of the royal family.
A picture taken during the service showed Kate putting a gentle and protective hand on her son's leg as he was given another glimpse into life as an heir to the throne whilst also saying a final goodbye to the beloved late monarch.
Ahead of the service the new Princess of Wales, who was given the title last held by her husband's late mother Diana following King Charles' succession to the throne, could be seen holding onto daughter Charlotte's hand, and giving her a reassuring touch on the shoulder.
William was also seen showing some support to his son as they made their way to their seats in Westminster Abbey. As the young prince passed the coffin, his father was seen placing his hand gently on his shoulder. But a tired and emotional George could also be seen wiping his eyes as he looked at the Order of Service while sat between his mum and dad.
Kate also used her appearance at the Queen's state funeral to pay a subtle tribute to her late grandmother-in-law. She was seen wearing the Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker alongside Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings. She paired the two pieces of jewellery with a wide-brimmed black hat and net veil.
This necklace includes four rows of pearls with a central diamond clasp in a curved shape, each side including three rows of diamonds that join at the top and bottom with marquise diamonds. It bares significance as in 2017, Queen Elizabeth II loaned the stunning piece of jewelry to Kate for the first time.
Princess Charlotte's appearance was also a nod to her great-grandmother. The young royal was seen dressed in all black and wore a formal hat for the first time at the official state service And pinned to her coat was a small and delicate badge with a nod to one of the Queen's loves.
The badge was shaped as a horseshoe - with horses being a great passion of the late Queen - and Charlotte herself known to be learning how to ride.
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