After ten days of obligations and ceremonies linked to the death of Elizabeth II, the royal family returns to daily life. Prince William and Kate Middleton went to Windsor Town Hall on Thursday to meet with several of the volunteers who ensured the smooth running of Monday night’s intimate ceremony at St. George’s Chapel. The Prince of Wales wanted to thank them, and told them of the emotion he feels since the disappearance of his grandmother.
“It’s the things you don’t expect that move you,” he said, as reported by the daily mail. “It’s always very encouraging to see so many people affected. It feels so good.”
In particular, he mentioned the many stuffed animals bearing the effigy of Paddington Bear, deposited by grieving Britons outside Buckingham, Windsor or Green Park. References to a sketch recorded by the queen on the occasion of her platinum wedding, in which she had tea with this figure from children’s literature. Prince William said he had “a lump in his throat” when he saw these puppies:
“There are moments that take you by surprise,” he explained. “We prepare for everything, but some moments take you by surprise.”
long period of mourning
William and Kate dressed completely in black on Thursday, to respect the period of mourning that continues until next Monday. It was the couple’s first in-person engagement since the Queen died on September 8 at the age of 96.
He was supposed to be in New York on Wednesday for a pre-event for the Earthshot Prize, which he created last year and which recognizes projects that offer solutions to the climate crisis; this trip was cancelled, but he nevertheless spoke in a pre-recorded video.
Countless Britons gathered outside Westminster Abbey on Monday to witness the arrival of the Queen’s coffin. A religious service was held in the presence of 2,000 guests, before a more intimate burial ceremony in the Saint-Georges chapel a few hours later.
Source: BFM TV
