The 7-year-old daughter ofPrince WilliamandKate Middletonarrived at Westminster Abbey in London Monday, joining the royals and leaders from around the world for the state funeral of the late monarch. Dressed in all black, Charlotte matched her mother in a long coat and wore a hat for the first time. Headpieces are a staple for British women at formal events, marking a touching and grown-up gesture in honor of the Queen.
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For the state funeral, Charlotte took part in the royal family procession behind the Queen’s coffin alongside parents William and Kate and brotherPrince George, 9, as the family made their way down the aisle of Westminster Abbey. Kate, 40, escorted the little ones into the service, though William, 40, arrived earlier alongsideKing Charles III.
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William and Kate spent last week carefully considering whether to include their eldest two children in the procession and service, PEOPLE understands. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have joined their parents at a number of royal outings, including at Westminster Abbey for great-grandfatherPrince Philip’s memorial service in March.
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AfterQueen Elizabeth’s husband’s funeral was scaled down due to COVID-19 government restrictions at the time, the memorial service provided a chance for more family and representatives from the various charities thatPrince Philipwas involved in to pay their respects.
George and Charlotte are several years younger than William was when he attended his motherPrincess Diana’s funeral in 1997 at the age of 15.Prince Louis, 4, was likely deemed too young to join the rest of the family for Monday’s funeral.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Last week, Charles, 73, addressed the United Kingdom for the first time after the Queendied at the age of 96. Among the changes announced, Charles shared thatPrince Williamand Kate had inherited the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales.
Their three children — who are now thesecond, third, and fourthin line to the throne — go from being Princes and Princess of Cambridge to beingPrinces and Princess of Wales. Therefore, they are nowPrince Georgeof Wales,Princess Charlotteof Wales andPrince Louisof Wales.
source: people.com
