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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Jessica Sansome

Tired and emotional Prince George wipes eyes as royal fans heap praise on him and sister Princess Charlotte

Prince George appeared to visibly show the emotion of the occasion as he sat in Westminster Abbey at the funeral service of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The nine-year-old heir to the throne joined his younger sister Princess Charlotte as they paid their respects and said a final goodbye to the Queen.

The Prince and Princess of Wales' two eldest children were confirmed to attend the historic event on the eve of the Queen's funeral while Prince Louis, four, stayed home.

The future King and Princess Charlotte, bid farewell to their beloved great-grandmother as the youngest members of the royal family to follow the Queen’s coffin through Westminster Abbey. The royal siblings, great-grandchildren of the Queen, were among 2,000 guests at her state funeral, joining their parents, world leaders and national figures from UK.

READ MORE: Royal fans spot Princess Anne's moment of concern for brother Charles as he sheds tears during Queen's procession

The young royals had arrived earlier in a car with Camilla and their mother, Kate. George was dressed in a dark navy suit and tie, while Charlotte wore a black coat dress with pleats at the back, black tights and a hat with a ribbon tied at the back.

Ahead of the service, the Princess of Wales could be seen holding Charlotte’s hand, and giving her a reassuring touch on the shoulder. Kate and the two children waited to one side of the abbey’s doors, watching quietly as the Queen’s coffin was borne in. The trio then joined the Prince of Wales to form a row of four as they followed the coffin to the front of the abbey.

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. 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.

Kate reassured her son during the moving service (PA)

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. He later perked up when he was seen back side-by-side with Charlotte. The young Royals were seen talking quietly whilst the Queen’s coffin was paraded outside of Wellington Arch following the service at Westminster Abbey.

And Royal fans were quick to heap praise on Prince George and Princess Charlotte. @RoyallyBelle_ tweeted: "I’m sure the Queen would be so proud of Prince George and Princess Charlotte." @Pooja33719735 shared: "A huge well done to Prince George and Princess Charlotte today, who have been impeccably dignified throughout! Their great 'Gan-Gan', the Queen, would be so proud of them both."

@Pink_Flamingo74 echoed: "A huge well done to Prince George and Princess Charlotte. A credit to the Prince & Princess Of Wales and their great grandmother would’ve been so proud." @Miss_Erin77 added: "The Princess Of Wales Kate & Prince Of Wales William you should be immensely proud of your beautiful children during the service of our late queen! They were amazing! Well done George & Charlotte.2

Following the service, Meghan Markle was spotted crying. The Duchess of Sussex was photographed with tears falling down her face alongside Camilla, Queen Consort, and the Princess of Wales, after accompanying her husband, Prince Harry, to the historic service commemorating the life of his grandmother.

Meghan appeared moved following the service (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

Royal fans did, however, share their sadness as Prince Harry joined the procession behind his grandmother's coffin as the royal family, and the world, pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Harry was notably in a mourning suit after he was unable to wear his military uniform to the funeral.

An exception was made on Saturday when the Queen's eight grandchildren together staged a heart-rending evening vigil around their beloved Granny’s coffin. The Duke of Sussex, at the foot of the coffin, donned his Blues and Royals No 1 uniform.

Meghan, 41, was also dressed all in black. She opted for a knee-length cape dress which she accessorised with a large black hat covering her hair which had been swept back into a bun and wore pointed court shoes. She also donned a pair of pearl and diamond earrings that were given to her by the late Queen.

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