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Queen’s Grandchildren to Hold Vigil Beside Her Coffin

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Queen’s Grandchildren to Hold Vigil Beside Her Coffin

In a heartfelt tribute, the Queen’s eight grandchildren are set to stand vigil beside her coffin in Westminster Hall for 15 minutes on Saturday night.

Royal sources confirmed the arrangement on Friday, revealing that the Prince of Wales will take position at the head while the Duke of Sussex will stand at the foot of the coffin.

In a show of unity and respect, both princes will wear military uniforms at the King’s request.

The remaining grandchildren will don morning suits and dark formal dresses adorned with decorations.

William will be accompanied by his cousins, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, who are the children of Princess Anne.

Meanwhile, Harry will stand alongside Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of the Duke of York.

The Earl of Wessex’s children, Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, will find their place near the center of their grandmother’s coffin.

This vigil comes at the King’s invitation, and the grandchildren are eager to pay their respects, mirroring the tribute their parents paid the previous evening.

Reports indicate that Prince Harry has received permission to wear his military uniform during this significant moment, after palace officials intervened on his behalf.

This marks a notable change, as he had previously been denied the honor due to no longer being a working royal.

Harry, a former army officer who served two tours in Afghanistan, has attended official events in civilian attire, including the solemn procession when the Queen’s coffin was transported to Westminster Hall.

However, recent developments suggest that palace officials have reconsidered their stance, allowing him to join his brother and cousins in uniform for the vigil.

Interestingly, an exception has also been made for Prince Andrew, who, despite stepping back from royal duties amid controversy, will wear his military uniform as a mark of respect for the Queen.

He is expected to join his siblings—King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward—in standing guard at the four corners of the catafalque during their vigil on Friday evening.

The decision to permit Harry to wear his military uniform has been hailed as a victory for common sense, especially following the outcry regarding the differing treatment of the princes.

Reports emerged earlier that both Princes William and Harry would participate in a special vigil on Saturday, reflecting their commitment to honor their beloved grandmother.

This vigil will echo the earlier memorial held at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where King Charles and his siblings stood guard in a similar manner.

The upcoming event at Westminster Hall promises to be equally poignant, as the grandchildren prepare to stand in silence beside the Queen’s coffin.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, there has been speculation regarding the motivations behind the palace’s reversal on Harry’s uniform.

Sources close to the Sussexes have indicated that the decision was not influenced by pressure from Harry himself, but rather a response to public sentiment.

In light of this, journalist Omid Scobie, known for his work on the Sussex biography, suggested that the palace’s change of heart reflects the widespread dissatisfaction over the initial decision to bar Harry from wearing his military colors while allowing Prince Andrew to do so.

As the royal family gathers to pay their final respects, the atmosphere is charged with emotion.

The vigil represents not only a moment of remembrance but also a poignant reminder of the deep connections and shared grief within the royal lineage.

The grandchildren’s participation underscores the importance of familial bonds during this time of mourning for their beloved grandmother.

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