Prince George and Princess Charlotte this afternoon joined the rest of the royal family for a final public goodbye to their grandmother - Her Majesty the Queen.
The two youngsters, aged nine and seven, arrived at St George's Chapel in Windsor alongside their mother, the Princess of Wales and Queen Consort Camilla, while their grandfather, the King, and Prince William walked behind the late monarch's coffin.
It was initially unknown as to whether they would walk as part of the procession in the chapel, with their names failing to feature in the order of service - however, they took their places for their second role of the day in the committal service, seemingly following a careful decision by their parents, William and Kate.
Read more: Mourners gather at Newcastle Cathedral for memorial service for the Queen ahead of state funeral
The Mirror reports that earlier today, the two young royals attended the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey alongside their parents and a 2,000-strong congregation of foreign leaders and monarchs, the royal family, and general public. In a daunting task, George and Charlotte were there to see first-hand the respect and admiration surrounding their great-grandmother.
So young that they were barely visible while being flanked by their parents, in the procession as it moved carefully through the Abbey.
In a change to the originally suggested formation, William and Kate walked protectively either side of their children, rather than in front of them - with Kate holding her daughter's hand. It is also understood that the royal couple thought long and hard, while having additional conversations with their children before deciding whether or not they should attend.
Following the ceremony, the Queen's coffin was transferred to the State Hearse at Wellington Arch, before journeying to Windsor for a later committal ceremony. As the coffin passed by, Charlotte could be seen whispering to her older brother, allegedly telling him that he needed to bow.
Charlotte then brought back memories of her great-grandmother as she pointed with her finger, just as Queen Elizabeth II used to do. George could be seen following his sister's alleged advice, as he bowed his head in respect while the coffin began to depart.
People lined the streets to see the coffin pass on its final journey before the service at St George's Chapel took place in front of around 800 guests, many of them current and former staff of the Royal Household. At the close of the service, the Imperial State Crown, the orb and the sceptre were lifted from the Queen’s coffin by the Crown Jeweller, separating the Queen from her crown for the final time.
With the help of the Bargemaster and Serjeants-at-Arms, the priceless Crown Jewels were passed to the Dean who will place them on the High Altar. Shortly after, former MI5 spy chief Baron Parker – the Lord Chamberlain and the most senior official in the late Queen’s royal household – broke his "Wand of Office" and placed it on the coffin.
The ceremonial breaking of the white staff signifies the end of his service to the Queen as sovereign.
Later this evening, a private burial service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor, attended by the King and members of the royal family. The Queen is to be buried together with the Duke of Edinburgh at the King George VI Memorial Chapel with her mother and father, George VI.
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