George,9,and Charlotte,7,were flanked by their parents as they dutifully walked towards the altar to the Abbey’s choir singingThe Sentences.
George mirrored his father in looking around the Abbey,while Charlotte bowed her head,her hands clasped together. Upon taking their seats,Catherine placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. The young princess wore a horseshoe brooch pinned to the front of her coat in a nod to her great-grandmother.
The Queen’s great-grandchildren were the youngest members of the royal family to join 2000 mourners including world leaders and foreign royalty at the service.
It is believed the children are the youngest royals to have taken part in a royal funeral procession. Sources close to the palace said their parents thought long and hard about their participation.
The two children sat quietly throughout the service with solemn expressions. Charlotte was seen to look around at the other guests while most of her family stared straight ahead and at one point whispered something in her mother’s ear.