Royal Family fight back tears at emotional vigil led by Princes William & Harry as grandchildren guard Queen’s coffin
MEMBERS of the Royal Family fought back tears tonight as they watched the Queen’s grandchildren guard her coffin.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, appeared to well up as her children took part in the moving vigil at Westminster Hall this evening.
The proud mum was joined by her husband Prince Edward, who last night joined his siblings in a separate vigil for the Queen.
Prince William, 40, led his brother, Prince Harry, and their six cousins to their places around the coffin this evening.
The Prince of Wales was flanked by Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips at the head, while Harry stood at the foot with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Meanwhile Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and her younger brother James, Viscount Severn, 14, stood poised at the middle.
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Their mum, Sophie Wessex, appeared to well up with tears as she watched the youngsters take part.
And the moving moment stood out from the formal vigil, which saw the Queen’s eight grandchildren stand in silence for a 15-minute period of reflection.
Royal biographer Phil Dampier told The Sun: “The most human aspect of it I detected was Sophie Countess of Wessex – I think she was crying at one point.
“She’s clearly very proud of her children standing there.”
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As the vigil took place, emotional mourners continued to file past to pay their respects, having queued for hours to be there.
And each of the cousins bowed their heads in solemn reflection as they waited together in silence.
Prince Edward had earlier thanked the public for their support said the family was “overwhelmed by the tide of emotion” that has engulfed them.
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He said: “We are overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us.
“And now, we are there for her, united in grief.”