Queen Elizabeth II grandchildren took part in historic vigil by her coffin.
What’s the significance of the Vigil of Princes?
The vigil that the Queen’s grandchildren observed this evening is traditionally known as the Vigil of the Princes – precisely because, until Princess Anne took part in it for the first time on Monday, only men could.
It was carried out for first time in 1936 after the death of George V, when his four sons – King Edward VIII, Prince Albert (the future King George VI and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s father) and Princes Henry and George – stood around the four sides of their father’s coffin at Westminster Hall.
Until this week, where the Queen’s children have stood vigil around her coffin twice, it had only been done on one other occasion – at the funeral of the Queen Mother in 2002. King Charles – known then as the Prince of Wales – was one of the people who stood by.
As we’ve said, tonight was the first time that a monarch’s grandchildren have carried out the ceremonial mark of respect.
Who are the Queen’s grandchildren?
The Queen has eight grandchildren. Best-known among them are the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex – the King’s sons.
They will be joined by Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn.
There’s a large age range between them – Peter Phillips is the eldest at 44, and James, Viscount Severn is just 14.
