Royal fans are questioning why Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were spotted leaving the Queen's funeral service early. The two princesses were seen getting up from their seats and leaving without any other members of the royal family as the funeral service at Westminster Abbey was drawing to a close this morning.
They departed before their grandmother's coffin was transported out of the Abbey and their mother, Sarah Ferguson stood up as if she was about to join them, before reoccupying her seat. The funeral which was broadcast live around the world left viewers perplexed by the princesses' early exit, although they rejoined the rest of the royal family outside as the Queen's coffin vacated the Abbey, the Mirror reports.
One fan asked on Twitter: "Anyone know why Eugenie and Beatrice left mid ceremony? Sarah Ferguson almost left with them but seems to have been told not to?" While another wondered: "Any idea why Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice left the funeral prior to the coffin?
Before the service at Westminster, King Charles III and his siblings – the Princess Royal, Duke of York and Earl of Wessex – had marched behind their mother’s coffin as it travelled the short distance from Westminster Hall, where the Queen had been lying in state for four days, to the ancient Abbey. Tens of thousands have filled the capital to pay their last respects just a few hours after the last person had filed past the Queen’s coffin, bringing to a close the symbolic ritual.
The Queen’s coffin has now begun its final journey from Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle where the late monarch will be reunited with her beloved husband. Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers flocked to London and are lining the route through the capital to say their last goodbyes, while millions around the globe are watching proceedings on TV.
The King and his siblings walked behind the coffin as it left Westminster Abbey following the state funeral, while other royals are travelling by car. During the service, Charles was visibly moved and looked close to tears as the national anthem was sung in the Abbey.
Prince George was also comforted by his mother, the Princess of Wales, during the service. In a personal touch, the wreath adorning the Queen’s coffin had a handwritten note, which was penned by the King.
The message said: “In loving and devoted memory.” The coffin is now heading to Wellington Arch at the corner of Hyde Park, before being transferred into a hearse for the journey to St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle.
A televised committal ceremony will take place in the chapel at 4pm followed by a private interment service attended by senior royals.
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