PRINCESS Charlotte attended the Queen’s funeral today and “appeared to show support” for “dignified but grief-stricken” mum Kate, the Princess of Wales.
According to body language expert Judi James, nine-year-old Princess Charlotte did a single gesture that offered her mum support at Westminster Abbey.
Princess Charlotte and Prince George today solemnly walked behind their Gan-Gan’s coffin
Judi James said Princess Charlotte reassured mother Kate Middleton
Princess Charlotte used the signature flicking of the long hair that her mother will also perform and, ‘in a show of mutual confidence’, said Judi
Prince George walked alongside Princess Charlotte and his parents as they entered the Abbey
Judi told Fabulous: “There were moments when it seemed Prince William and Kate were benefiting from the support and reassurance of their two small children rather than the other way round.
“Kate was silent and dignified in her grief, placing a gently comforting hand on Charlotte’s back a couple of times, although it was Charlotte leaning to whisper to her mother in the service and actually mirroring her mother’s body language to show a display of unity.
“Charlotte used the signature flicking of the long hair that her mother will also perform and, in a show of mutual confidence, she dropped her mother’s hand as they walked up the aisle to adopt a hand clasp in front of her torso, showing not just poise and further confidence but a desire to mimic another of her mother’s signature gestures.”
She added that Prince George, nine, “mimicked some of his father’s body language” and also offered him support.
More on the Queen's funeral
Princess Charlotte and Prince George today solemnly walked behind their Gan-Gan’s coffin in a sombre procession at the Queen’s funeral.
The children, who were the youngest mourners at their great-grandmother’s state funeral today, walked with their parents Prince William and Princess Kate behind Her Majesty’s coffin.
The children then stood and sung hymns with the 2,000 strong congregation – with mum Kate seen helping her daughter follow along the service.
George has been dressed in a dark blue suit for today’s services, with Charlotte wearing a black outfit and a hat like mum Kate.
In moving scenes, George, nine, and Charlotte, seven, had looked solemn as they walked alongside their parents into Westminster Abbey – with the youngest Louis, 4, staying at home.
Their late inclusion is believed to be the idea of parents Prince William and Kate who thought it important they attend the historic occasion.
Mum-of-three Kate was seen placing a reassuring hand her eldest children’s shoulders as they entered the memorial.
George was pictured singing The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended as he stood between his parents.
Charlotte could be seen looking around from under the brim of her hat while the mourners sang The Lord’s My Shepherd.
During the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon, George read the order of service while sister Charlotte was seen whispering to her mother.
It comes as…
- Solemn King Charles leads the Royal Family in an emotional procession behind the Queen’s coffin
- Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince George, 9, arrived at Westminster Abbey with mum Kate Middleton
- Meghan Markle bowed her head as she joined the Royals
- Prince Andrew wore a suit after being banned from his military uniform
- Two thousand mourners including world leaders gathered for the funeral
At one point, the youngsters could be seen standing next to their aunt Meghan Markle.
The family then took their seats alongside leaders from around the world to say goodbye to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
The King this morning led the Royal Family as they walked in a procession behind the Queen’s coffin.
Charles, 73, appeared to wipe away a tear as he followed his late mother’s coffin – draped in the Royal Standard flag, and topped with her Crown, Orb and Sceptre – into Westminster Abbey.
William had been seen in a Range Rover with a police escort heading towards the St James’ Palace before the procession shortly after 10.15am.
He had a reflective expression on his face as he travelled with Princess Charlotte beside him in the car.
The royals then appeared to switch cars as William moved to travel alongside his dad, King Charles.
ROYAL TRIBUTE
Princess Charlotte pays sweet tribute to the queen with jewellery
Charlotte and George sat side by side in another car, with Kate and Camilla sitting behind.
The royal youngsters were among the 2,000 people gathered at Westminster Abbey before a committal service at Windsor Castle.
At one point, the youngsters could be seen standing next to their aunt Meghan Markle
