‘Certain moments catch you out’: Prince William opens up on grief following Queen’s passing

While meeting with volunteers who helped organise the committal service for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William opened up about the grief he feels following his grandmother’s passing while revealing “certain moments” that have caught him off guard.

In their first public appearance since the Queen’s state funeral, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Windsor’s Guildhall to thank several of the staff who were on hand during the Queen’s state funeral.

While chatting with one volunteer, Prince William revealed that despite the difficulty of the last few days he found comfort in the public’s outpouring of support.

“If you flip it on its head, it is always very comforting that so many people care. It makes it a lot better,” he said.

“There are certain moments that catch you out. You are prepared for all, but certain moments catch you out.”

 

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He then went on to disclose that the sea of Paddington Bears left in tribute to the Queen from an adoring public left him “choked up”.

“It is the things you don’t expect that get to you,” he said.

Paddington Bear dolls have been left out to honour the Queen following the fictional character’s appearance during an adorable skit, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where Her Majesty and Paddington sit down to enjoy treats and tea before the clumsy bear causes pandemonium – drinking all the tea before offering any to the Monarch and squashing the treats.

As the Royal Family observe their period of mourning, the Prince and Princes of Wales have been meeting with staff and volunteers who “worked so tirelessly” as part of the Queen’s state funeral.

The historic ceremony saw mourners from across the world gather at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19 as hundreds of thousands lined the streets of London to say their final goodbyes.

Before the state funeral service began, the country’s first since Winston Churchill’s, a bell rang out 96 times to symbolise each year of Her Majesty’s life.

The Queen’s flag-draped coffin sat atop a gun carriage which was drawn by rope by 142 Royal Navy sailors before being taken by pallbearers into Westminster Abbey where presidents, prime ministers and dignitaries made up the 2000 strong congregation.

 

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Following a series of readings and hymns during the funeral service, the ceremony concluded with two minutes of silence across the country before attendees sang God Save the King.

Following a procession through the streets of London, the Queen’s coffin was taken to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for a committal service where 800 guests were in attendance.

During a private family service, later in the evening, the coffins of the Queen and Prince Philip were buried together.