Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren hold vigil next to her coffin at Westminster Hall on September 17, 2022. AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Prince William and Prince Harry stood vigil around Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin Saturday. They were joined by the rest of the Queen’s grandchildren as they honored the late monarch.
After a dramatic palace reversal, Harry was allowed to wear his military uniform to the tribute. Prince William, Prince Harry, and their cousins paid tribute to their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II at a vigil on Saturday evening in Westminster Hall. The late monarch’s grandchildren were joined by royal guards in the solemn ceremony, which lasted about 15 minutes.
William stood at the head of the coffin, flanked by Princess Anne’s children, Peter Phillips, and Zara Tindall. Harry stood on the opposite end flanked by Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, Prince Edward’s children, stood in the middle on both sides of the casket.
Prince William, Prince Harry, and their cousins stood guard around Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at Westminster Hall on September 17, 2022. IAN VOGLER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesThe grandchildren’s vigil comes one day after the Queen’s four children, including King Charles III, stood guard over her casket for the last time before her funeral on Monday, September 19. They held a similar commemoration at St Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland on September 12.
King Charles III and his siblings hold a vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral for Queen Elizabeth II on September 12, 2022; The siblings held a second vigil at Westminster Hall on September 16, 2022. Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images; Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty ImagesAfter a policy reversal, Harry was allowed to wear his military uniform at the vigil this weekend “at the King’s request,” a palace source confirmed to People. The Duke of Sussex, who served in the British Army for a decade with two tours in Afghanistan, previously wasn’t authorized to wear the uniform because he isn’t a working royal.
Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from royal life in 2020, and he was later stripped of his royal title and military patronages. He wore a morning suit to process behind the Queen’s coffin alongside royal family members as it made its way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday. As photos of the procession went viral, many expressed their frustration that Harry wasn’t allowed to wear his uniform despite his years of service.
His uncle Andrew was also stripped of his titles and patronages in January 2022 after a sexual assault lawsuit was filed against him in 2021. However, he was permitted to wear his military uniform to Friday’s vigil. CNN reports that Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 22 years.
It’s unclear if the reversal was a move towards reconciliation with the Sussexes or if the Palace changed course because of public pressure. A processional of royals walks behind Queen Elizabeth’s casket on September 14, 2022. WPA Pool / Pool / Getty ImagesThe vigils by the Queen’s children and grandchildren are just a few of the many observances that took place following the monarch’s death on September 8.
Her casket was transferred from Balmoral, where she died, to Edinburgh before it arrived at Westminster. People across the UK, including celebrities like David Beckham, have joined hours-long queues outside Westminster Hall in London to pay their respects. The Queen’s funeral will bring many world leaders and dignitaries together before she’s laid to rest.
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From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/prince-harry-prince-william-cousins-hold-vigil-around-queens-casket-2022-9
