The Prince of Wales has said he got “choked up” when he saw the many Paddington Bear tributes to the Queen. William revealed his reaction when he spoke to funeral workers on his first engagement since the state funeral.
William and his wife the Princess of Wales met volunteers and operational staff to thank them for their work before and during the Queen’s committal service in Windsor earlier this week. The pair, who wore black as they continued to mourn, met around 30 people at Windsor Guildhall.
The prince said: “There are certain moments that catch you out. You are prepared for all, but certain moments catch you out. It is the things you don’t expect that get to you.” He added that he got “choked up” over the Paddington tributes.
The royal couple were introduced to staff and volunteers by Vice Lord Lieutenant Graham Barker and Windsor council’s lead royal funeral planner, Andrew Scott. The team, which included St John Ambulance volunteers, council workers, stewards, Crown Estate staff and logistics teams, supported the crowds that came to Windsor on Monday.
Speaking to council workers, William also joked about “competition” between Paddington Bear and the corgis. He said Paddington is “a new addition” but “the corgis have been there for longer”.
William and Kate also spoke to members of the Crown Estate, who helped to organise the floral tributes in Windsor, about the number of flowers left by members of the public. The heir to the throne described the colours as “amazing”, with Kate adding: “The spotlight was on Windsor and it looked incredible, so well done.”
Speaking to the transport workers who helped to organise road closures and car parks, William said: “We were quite worried that with everyone coming here it would shut down the whole town, but it kept moving.” Kate added: “We were grateful we could still got the children to and from school.”
