The News
Royal Ladies Pay Tribute to Queen with Curtsies
The solemn atmosphere enveloped Westminster Hall as the royal family bid their final farewell to Her Majesty, the Queen.
The Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex, the Countess of Wessex, and Lady Louise, daughter of Sophie, all adhered to royal protocol by performing a curtsy towards the Queen's coffin during the procession today.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, daughters of the Duke of York, were visibly emotional, wiping away tears as they stood before the Queen's coffin, supported by their husbands Jack Brooksbank and Edomapeli Motsi.
The royal family members gathered to accompany the Queen on her poignant journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where she will lie in state beneath the ancient hammer beam roof.
Kate, the mother of three, stood by Prince William's side since the announcement of the Queen's passing, somberly participating in the short service at Westminster Hall and paying tribute to Princess Diana by wearing her pearl earrings for the procession.
In a rare display of unity, William and Harry, alongside their wives Kate and Meghan, set aside their differences to honor the Queen during the lying-in-state service.
The foursome walked together during the procession, with Meghan accompanied by the Countess of Wessex and Kate by Camilla, the Queen Consort.
During the service, the royal family members stood in formation facing the Queen's coffin on a purple-covered catafalque adorned with tall, flickering candles, creating a poignant scene within the historic Westminster Hall.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, displayed a gesture of respect by walking one step behind Prince William in accordance with royal protocol.
Despite being a blood prince, William outranks Kate, who is a royal by marriage, necessitating her to maintain a distance of one step behind him.
The royal protocol dictates that women must curtsy as a sign of respect when approaching the Queen.
This tradition was exemplified as Kate approached the coffin, always following behind Prince William, showcasing adherence to the customary forms of behavior when in the presence of the monarch.
Notably, Prince Philip, despite his royal lineage as a blood prince of Denmark and Greece, always walked two steps behind the Queen out of respect for her higher rank.
Similarly, women are expected to walk two steps behind the Queen, acknowledging her superior status within the royal hierarchy.
The sight of the royal couples standing together during the procession marked a rare moment of unity, especially following their recent public appearances.
The symbolism of this display of togetherness amidst personal differences highlighted the significance of honoring the Queen during this solemn occasion.
As the royal family continues to navigate through this period of mourning and transition, the adherence to traditional protocols and gestures of respect serve as reminders of the deep-rooted customs and formalities that define their roles within the monarchy.
The poignant tribute paid by the royal ladies through their curtsies symbolizes not only their respect for the Queen but also their commitment to upholding the time-honored traditions of the British royal family.