IMAGINE being nine years old and facing an audience more or less as big as the world.
For it was the attention of the globe that second in line to the throne Prince George must have been trying not to think about in the run-up to today’s amazing ceremony.
Imagine being nine years old and having to face an audience more or less as the entire world
Prince George walked with immense dignity as he became the youngest ever future monarch to play a senior role in a Coronation
And it was lovely seeing Charlotte clasping a protective hand around her brother Louis – just as any big sister would
He became the youngest future monarch to play a senior role in a Coronation, as Page of Honour.
He walked with immense dignity and poker-straight composure behind his grandad, helping to carry his heavy, ornate robes in Westminster Abbey.
Concentration etched on his face, his lips were pursed. He didn’t put a foot wrong.
The King and Prince William were keen for the young prince to have an important role.
He was front and centre, along with the other boys named Pages of Honour.
He was joined by Camilla’s great-nephew, Arthur Elliot, ten, her grandsons Gus and Louis Lopes, 13, and Freddy Parker Bowles, 13.
George’s younger siblings, eight-year-old Charlotte and Louis, five, arrived at Westminster Abbey in a car with their parents.
I loved watching Charlotte clasping a protective hand around Louis as they walked into the Abbey, just as any big sister would, to ensure her little brother stayed focused and stuck to the rehearsed plan.
There may have been a bit of fidgeting during the ceremony, but who can blame them.
And as the magnificent crown was put on the King’s head and the trumpets bellowed out, Prince Louis yawned his way through. He was stealing the show again.
All the youngsters who participated in what was the most magnificent, wonderful day, played their roles with aplomb and dignity.
And as they took to the Buckingham Palace balcony we could see the shape that our monarchy will take for generations to come.
It is clear that the future for the Royal Family looks bright.
I’m sure there were plenty of racked nerves and perhaps some high spirits, if the Queen’s Coronation is anything to go by.
A lady in waiting recently told how, when the Queen got back to Buckingham Palace, she took off the crown and Charles, who was only four, grabbed it and ran down the corridor.
Although one can only wish to have been a fly on the wall behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace today, I’m sure none of Charles’s grandkids did anything as naughty.
What a day they must have had. I bet they’ll all sleep well tonight.
Prince Louis seemed to constantly be stealing the show
Charlotte waved with George smiling in the carriage after Charles and Camilla were crowned
Prince Louis spotted something and pointed it out to sister Charlotte
