Royal fans watching the Queen's televised state funeral have spotted the moment Princess Anne looked on in concern for her brother. Twelve days after the nation’s longest-reigning monarch died, the last steps of her journey towards her final resting place began in New Palace Yard with a procession to Westminster Abbey.
King Charles III stood in line with his siblings the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex, behind the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, for a moment of silence before the journey on-foot toe the service at the historic location began. The Prince of Wales, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips all followed behind the coffin, for the short walk to the Abbey.
While the King and most other royals wore military uniform, Andrew and Harry sported suits in line with the fact neither are any longer working royals. The Queen’s closest family all looked sombre as they followed the 123-year-old carriage ahead of the state funeral.
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The procession included Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Queen’s cousin the Duke of Gloucester, and her nephew the Earl of Snowdon. Along with the royal family, the coffin – which was draped with the Royal Standard and had the Imperial State Crown and Regalia as well as a wreath of flowers laid upon it – was followed by members of Charles’ household including his private secretary and equerry.
And royal fans were soon commenting on the emotional moment Princess Anne looked at her brother as he welled up as they went on their final journey with their beloved mother. The King was teary-eyed as he mournfully watched his mother's coffin carried into the church for the poignant service.
The Princess Royal glanced at her brother with a worried expression as he stared towards the floor visibly taking in the emotion of the occasion before making his way inside.
Sharing their reaction to the poignant moment, @CountessCommon1 tweeted: "The Princess Royal’s look of concern #KingCharlesIII #PrincessAnne." @Lili_in_London wrote: "When a photograph says more than words ever could [broken heart emoji] #KingCharlesIII #PrincessAnne," alongside the above image. @Elizabe46431051 said: "Anne had the same concerned look for Charles during the service. Awfulsad."
Charles was also spotted wiping tears from his eyes just as he entered the Abbey and also looked emotional during the singing of the national anthem, remaining silent throughout the song while his siblings joined mourners in the powerful rendition, with 'God Save The King' having only been heard a handful of times since the Queen's passing.
A communication coach told the PA News Agency that when the congregation sang God Save The King noticed "a slight parting of his [Charles’] lips in a horizontal in-breath", saying "it is a sign of grief, which he is controlling brilliantly". However, Sonia Beldom, added: “King Charles and Prince William are incredibly composed.
"A tiny sign of self-soothing is seen as they rub the top of their swords with their thumbs. This is a mini version of massaging the thumb, which is a pacifying gesture."
Upon arrival, the future King, Prince George, and his sister, Princess Charlotte, bid farewell to their beloved 'Gan Gan' as the youngest members of the royal family to follow the Queen’s coffin through Westminster Abbey.
As the young royals followed their great-grandmother’s coffin, flanked by their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charlotte held her hands clasped in front of her while George had his arms by his side. The foursome walked a little behind the King, Charles, and Camilla, Queen Consort, and ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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