Princess Charlotte and Prince George were among the youngest mourners at the Queen's state funeral and committal service. And despite it being a long day for the youngsters in the full glare of public, they have been praised for their "incredible" behaviour.
The future king and his sister, who are second and third in line to the throne respectively, joined 2,000 guests including kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers. Their four-year-old brother Louis, who kept people entertained during the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, was felt to be too young for the events of the day. The children sat impeccably during the hour-long service at Westminster Abbey led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and later during the committal service at Windsor.
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Charlotte wore a black coat dress with pleats at the back and a small silver horseshoe that had been gifted to her by her great-grandmother pinned on the front. The Princess of Wales was seen holding Charlotte's hand and giving her a squeeze on the shoulder ahead of the service. The seven-year-old also wore a black hat that sweetly matched her mum's choice of headwear, and stayed on throughout the day. There was also a sweet moment between young Charlotte and her uncle Harry as she readjusted her headwear.
The Queen's great-grandson, who is now second in line to the throne, wore a dark blue suit and black tie and at the end of the service walked behind the coffin alongside his sister, parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as part of a procession through the gothic church.
And royal watchers were quick to praise the children for their behaviour. One Mumsnet commentator said: "Loved seeing those beautiful children honouring their great grandmother today. Exemplary behaviour and poise for such young children."
Another joked: "I’m assuming Kate has smarties in her handbag." Someone else commented: "I can't understand how the whole royal family are so dignified. I'm a blubbering mess today, it's all so emotional! The royals didn't shed a tear in public although Harry did look extremely emotional at times. George and Charlotte have incredible composure."
A royal fan on Twitter said: "The Queen must be so proud of them." Television presenter Bev Turner said: "Amazing organisation, coordination and execution of events. A parade of uniquely British stoicism in the face of loss. But huge applause to Charlotte and George for sitting still all that time. Not many kids could!" Another person on Twitter said: "Such well behaved kids. They did their Granny proud."
It is not the first time they have been praised for their behaviour during a service at Westminster Abbey. During Prince Philip's Service of Thanksgiving, they described as being a "credit" to the Royal Family, and described as being "impeccably behaved".
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