The News
Royal Family Pays Tribute as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coffin Arrives in Edinburgh
The royal family came together in a solemn display of respect as Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arrived in Edinburgh for a night of repose at the Palace of Holyrood House.
The Countess of Wessex, Sophie, was captured on camera offering comfort to Princess Anne during the poignant moment.
As the coffin journeyed from Balmoral to Edinburgh, Sophie, the wife of Prince Edward, placed a reassuring hand on Princess Anne's back, a gesture of support that did not go unnoticed.
Members of the royal family, including the Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, the Duke of York, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, stood witness as soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland solemnly carried the Queen's coffin into the Palace.
Despite the somber occasion, traditional deference to the monarch was maintained, with the royal women curtsying and the men bowing their heads in reverence.
Accompanied by Princess Anne and her husband in a limousine directly behind her, Queen Elizabeth II did not make the 180-mile journey alone.
The Queen will spend the night at the Palace before being transferred to St Giles Cathedral the following day.
Earlier, a large crowd had gathered to witness the proclamation of King Charles as the Head of State.
Emotions ran high as Princess Anne and Sophie were seen wiping away tears while observing floral tributes left for the Queen at Balmoral.
The touching display of grief extended beyond the royal family, with Scottish mourners lining the route of the coffin procession in a show of respect as the Queen departed Balmoral for the final time.
Princess Anne, known for her tireless work ethic, accompanied her mother's funeral cortege on the six-hour journey to Edinburgh.
With a solemn expression but composed demeanor, the Princess Royal followed the hearse in a Royal Bentley alongside her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence.
Every detail of the Queen's funeral arrangements was meticulously planned, indicating her likely personal request for her daughter to accompany her remains to the Palace of Holyrood House.
As preparations for the Queen's funeral continue, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have committed to remaining in the UK for the funeral and an additional seven days for the period of Royal Mourning.
Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are reported to be in the US with Meghan's mother, Dorea Ragland.
Prince Harry flew solo to Scotland, arriving too late to bid farewell to his beloved grandmother, while only King Charles and Princess Anne managed to pay their respects in time.
In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, Buckingham Palace announced a period of Royal Mourning to be observed by the royal family, household staff, and ceremonial troops.
Amidst the mourning period, reports emerged of Princess Anne's purported displeasure towards Meghan, expressing a desire for her to leave the UK due to alleged mistreatment of the Queen.
The royal family continues to navigate these challenging times with dignity and unity as they honor the legacy of the late monarch.