The Queen's children have surrounded her coffin as they took part in a vigil during her lying-in-state tonight (Friday, September 16). The King, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex stood in silent contemplation in Westminster Hall.
It comes four days after Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward mounted a similar vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. They were watched at Westminster by other members of the royal family, including the Queen Consort, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Countess of Wessex, along with some of the Queen’s grandchildren.
The four wore military uniform on Friday. Andrew, who is no longer a working royal and lost his honorary military titles following the controversy over his friendship with jailed sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was allowed to wear his uniform as a "special mark of respect".
Thousands of mourners, many of whom have queued for extremely long periods, have filed past the coffin since the late Queen began lying in state on Wednesday. On Saturday, the Queen’s grandchildren are going to participate in a vigil at her coffin, and the Duke of Sussex will join his brother the Prince of Wales in wearing military uniform.
Royal sources told the PA news agency that the decision to allow Harry to wear his uniform during the vigil was made by his father. Harry, who saw action on the front line during two tours of duty in Afghanistan, has so far not worn his military uniform as he publicly mourns because he is no longer a working royal.
Despite being a former Army officer, he has been in civilian dress for official events, including walking behind his grandmother’s coffin on Wednesday when it was carried to Westminster Hall for lying in state. The royal source said William will stand at the head while Harry will stand at the foot.
At the King’s request, they will both be in uniform; the other grandchildren will be in morning coat and dark formal dress with decorations. The source said the grandchildren, at the King’s invitation, were very keen to pay their respects – just as their parents have done on Friday evening.
