At Westminster Hall on Saturday, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Lady Louise Windsor made history by keeping vigil over the Queen’s casket.
The four royals made history by becoming the first monarch’s granddaughters to stand guard during the lying in state. Along with the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Sussex, Peter Phillips, and James, Viscount Severn, Zara, 41, Beatrice, 34, Eugenie, 32, and 18-year-old Lady Louise, all participated in the touching ceremony.
Photo: Getty Images
As they stood with their heads bowed in tribute to their late grandmother, the royal ladies, who were all dressed in black, appeared visibly moved.
It follows the Princess Royal’s participation in the formal vigil alongside her three brothers, King Charles, the Duke of York, and the Earl of Wessex, making her the first female child of a monarch to do so.
Only twice before has the Vigil of the Princes been held. King George V was laid to rest in 1936, and King Edward VIII, the Duke of York, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent stood guard.
Additionally, in 2002, the Queen Mother’s vigil included participation from Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and the Earl of Snowdon.
Photo: Getty Images
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie shared an adorable childhood photo of them with their grandmother, taken at Balmoral, before the royal grandchildren’s vigil on Saturday.
The royal sisters stated collectively: “My beloved grandmother, Since you left us all, we haven’t been able to express ourselves very well. Our beloved Queen and our beloved Grannie, there have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and there has been a general sense of loss.
“Like many others, we assumed you would remain in this location forever. And we all sincerely miss you. You served as our matriarch, our leader, and the gentle hand that guided us through this world. You taught us so much, and we will always value the knowledge and the memories you gave us.
Photo: Twitter
“All we want to say right now, dear Grannie, is thank you. We appreciate you making us laugh, including us, picking heather and raspberries, watching soldiers march, providing our teas, providing solace, and bringing us joy. Being you, you will never be aware of the effect you have had on our family and so many others.”
