The News
A Royal Farewell: Emotions Run High as the Queen’s Coffin Arrives at Westminster Hall
The atmosphere was thick with emotion at Westminster Hall on Wednesday, September 14, as the Royal Family gathered to pay their respects to the late Queen.
Her coffin, draped in the royal standard and adorned with the Imperial State Crown, was transported from Buckingham Palace on a solemn gun carriage.
This marked the beginning of a four-day lying-in-state period before her state funeral set for September 19.
As the procession made its way to Westminster Hall, many members of the Royal Family were visibly affected by the moment.
While some senior royals traveled by car, others chose to walk behind the coffin, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt throughout the family.
Waiting at Westminster Hall were several royals, including the Queen’s youngest grandchildren, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
Lady Louise, who shared a particularly close bond with her grandmother, was seen dabbing her eyes during the touching service.
Known for her poise, the young royal is preparing to start her first year at St Andrew’s University.
The affection between Lady Louise and the Queen was well-known, with many referring to her as the Queen’s favorite grandchild.
James, Viscount Severn, also displayed his emotions during the service, bowing his head in reverence to the coffin.
The siblings have shown remarkable dignity during this difficult time, honoring their grandmother’s legacy as they prepare for her state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Just days after the Queen’s passing at Balmoral Castle, Lady Louise had joined her parents to attend a service at Crathie Kirk, where they viewed floral tributes left by the public.
This demonstrated the close-knit nature of the family as they navigated their grief together.
The bond between Lady Louise and the Queen has been highlighted by insiders, who noted that the Queen cherished the time spent with her grandchildren at Balmoral.
In 2019, a source revealed that Louise had indeed become the Queen’s favorite, closely followed by her brother James.
Reflecting on their relationship, the Countess of Wessex shared a humorous anecdote about her daughter’s childhood confusion regarding her grandmother’s dual identity.
During an interview for the Queen’s 90th birthday, Sophie recounted how Louise struggled to understand that the Queen and her beloved “grandmama” were the same person.
It wasn’t until Louise attended school that she began to grasp the reality, as classmates pointed out her grandmother’s royal status.
Sophie recalled, “Louise would come home and say, ‘Mummy, they say that grandmama is the Queen,’ and I said, ‘Yes,’ and she responded, ‘I don’t understand what they mean.’”
This heartwarming story underscores the innocence of youth amidst the gravity of royal life.