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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Alice Peacock & Michelle Cullen

Prince Andrew 'fighting back tears' as he follows Queen's coffin in morning suit as siblings wear uniform

Prince Andrew looked to be fighting back tears as he marched behind the Queen's coffin in a procession from Westminster Hall for her funeral.

The Duke of York is playing a 'central role' in the Queen's funeral as the Royal Family put on a united front during the mourning period.

Prince Andrew famously said to be the Queen's favourite son, stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

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He went on to pay millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to Virginia Giuffre. Before this, the Queen stripped him of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.

However, he has joined his family in mourning following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with sources saying it would be 'out of the question' for him to be excluded.

As the Queen's coffin was transported to Westminster Abbey, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, walked to the left, with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, to his right, Princess Anne to Andrew's right and Prince Charles III, Britain's new King, flanking Anne.

Paying tribute to his mother earlier this month, Prince Andrew said: "Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you.

"Mother of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways, and I know you are looking on, honouring their respect.

"Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever. I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment. I will miss your insights, advice and humour."

Over 2,000 are in attendance at the Queen's State Funeral, conducted by the Dean of Westminster.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth read Lessons, while the Archbishop of York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches Moderator say Prayers.

Meghan Markle was also in attendance this morning as she arrived at the abbey dressed all in black while her husband, Prince Harry, walked in the procession behind his grandmother's coffin wearing a mourning suit.

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was also seen arriving alongside Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Prince William also walked behind the coffin with the Countess of Wessex.

The funeral service will end with a two-minute silence at around 11.55am.

Tonight the Queen will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Prince Philip , the Duke of Edinburgh, following a private service St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Only senior members of the royal family will attend the chapel, which is due to take place at 7.30pm on Monday and be conducted by the Dean of Windsor.

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