Duchess of Edinburgh wipes away tears as royal becomes emotional talking about Lady Louise Windsor
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The Duchess of Edinburgh became visibly emotional as she recalled watching her children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, stand vigil at Queen Elizabeth II's coffin in Westminster Hall.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the duchess had to pause and blink back tears while discussing the poignant moment her children joined their cousins, including Princes William and Harry, to honour their late grandmother.
The touching scene proved overwhelming for Sophie, who placed her hand on her heart as she reflected on the experience.
"I don't think I can talk about it any more," she said, after becoming too moved to continue the conversation.
Duchess of Edinburgh wipes away tears as royal becomes emotional talking about Lady Louise Windsor
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The duchess revealed she had initially questioned whether it would be appropriate for her younger son James to participate in the vigil.
"I suppose there was a part of me initially that thought, Would it be appropriate for James, perhaps, to do it? Because he was younger than the others," she explained.
However, she noted that James was "really keen" to take part in the ceremonial tribute.
The royal emphasised the significance of both her children's participation in the historic moment.
James, Earl of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor joined their cousins for a vigil after Queen Elizabeth II's death
PA
"I think it was really important for him to do it, and obviously for Louise as well," she told the publication.
She described watching anxiously as the young royals performed their solemn duty.
"I was slightly holding my breath, wanting them to feel that they'd done it well more than anything else," she admitted.
The mother-of-two expressed deep pride in all the young royals who participated in the vigil.
The Duchess of Edinburgh watching her children during the vigil from the sidelines
PA
"They did it so well, each and every one of them," she reflected.
Her primary concern was not about anything going wrong, but rather that the young royals would feel satisfied with their tribute.
"I wasn't worried about anything happening; it was more that I wanted them to feel that they'd done their bit for their grandmother," she shared.
The experience left a profound impact on the duchess, who described it as "incredibly moving."
The Duchess of Edinburgh is celebrating her 60th birthday today
Christina Ebenezer
"It was lovely to see her surrounded by them," she added, before becoming too emotional to continue.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is celebrating her 60th birthday today, has maintained a busy royal schedule, completing 257 engagements at home and overseas in 2024.
She ranked fourth in the unofficial league tables of royal engagements, with her team noting she is always eager to help fill gaps in their reach.
Born Sophie Rhys-Jones, she is the second child of Christopher Bournes Rhys-Jones, a tyre importing company director, and Mary Rhys-Jones, a secretary.
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