King Charles III and his sister, Princess Anne, at the funeral of Elizabeth II (London, September 19, 2022.) Hannah McKay / AFP
Gathered in mourning behind the coffin of Elizabeth II, members of the British royal family showed their emotion, despite protocol that imposed a degree of restraint on them. And cameras around the world focused on the ceremony.
Eleven days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, 2,000 people gathered at Westminster Abbey for the Sovereign’s funeral on Monday September 19. To the sound of bagpipes and drum rolls, the coffin – draped with the royal standard and crowned with the imperial crown – was escorted in procession to the altar. And emotion won over the Windsor clan very quickly. A candid scene that we’re not used to in what is usually very strict royal protocol. In fact, the “Royals” are obliged to restrain themselves and are not allowed to show their feelings publicly. For example, couples are not allowed to hold hands during official ceremonies.
In the video, Charles III’s emotions during God Save the King
The tangible emotion of the Windsor clan
Gathered in mourning, the royal family followed in step the guards of the battalion of grenadiers carrying the coffin. Charles III, who became king at 73 after a lifetime of waiting, along with his brothers Andrew and Edward and sister Anne. The heir to the throne Prince William and his brother Harry in civilian clothes were also part of the funeral procession. Before they were joined in the Abbey’s nave by Queen Consort Camilla, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton and their two eldest children, George and Charlotte.
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However, the protocol and the presence of cameras from all over the world did not prevent the emotions from winning over the Windsor clan. Prince Andrew fought back his tears as he arrived at Westminster Abbey, while Prince Harry walked in step with his jaw clenched, a tight face and a worried expression.
Charles III upset
Charles III worked under the eyes of his sister Anne. meanwhile very agitated throughout the morning. And even more so when at the end of the service the British national anthem God Save the King was sung by the congregation. England’s new king held his ceremonial sword with bleary eyes and looked distressed. Which did not fail the British press, which also maintained the solemnity shown by Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
In one video, Queen Elizabeth II’s eight grandchildren gathered around her coffin
For his part, Prince William remained very focused, sitting in the front row next to his eldest son, Prince George, who was carefully consulting the Mass book during the Archbishop of Canterbury’s homily.