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Prince Charles sheds a tear as he follows his father Prince Philip’s coffin into Windsor Castle

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

A highly emotional Prince Charles could be seen with tears in his eyes as he bade the final farewell to his father Prince Philip at a moving Windsor Castle ceremony.

The Prince of Wales, 72, was visibly distraught as he followed the coffin as he walked shoulder-to-shoulder with his sister Anne, The Princess Royal behind the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin.

His father’s casket had been draped in the duke’s own personal standard and topped with a sword, a naval cap and a wreath of flowers.

They were followed by their brothers the Earl of Wessex and Duke of York, with equally sombre expressions.

Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal walk in the procession,AP
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal walk in the procession,AP

In St George’s Chapel, the prince had tears in his eyes as he put on a black face mask before taking a seat next to his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

They were sat directly opposite Charles’ mother Queen, who was forced to mourn alone due to Covid-19 regulations as she bid farewell to her husband of 73 years, who she called her “strength and stay”.

REUTERS
REUTERS

Philip’s death left the monarchy grieving in private, but they made public appearances to recognise the support and condolences they received throughout the week from the nation.

Charles spoke first for the family and praised his “dear Papa” for the “most remarkable, devoted service to the Queen, to my family and to the country”.

A few days later he understandably looked more emotional when he saw first-hand at Marlborough House the hundreds of cards, flowers, letters and pictures left by the public wanting to honour his father.

He would have been reassured by the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex puttingany sibling acrimony to one side to unite in support of the Queen.

The brothers, whose fraught relationship has been characterised by internal rowing, could be seen chatting together after the service concluded.

William paused briefly to walk in step with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, and his younger brother, as the mourners made their way out of St George’s Chapel in the spring sunshine.

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