Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward cry at Queen’s Funeral

The Queen’s ‘favourite daughter-in-law’ Sophie Wessex and her husband Prince Edward were visibly emotional during the Queen’s State Funeral this morning. 

Prince Edward’s wife, 57, who had an exceptionally close relationship with her mother-in-law opted for traditional mourning dress as she entered Westminster Abbey today and later travelled to Windsor for the Queen’s Committal Service. 

The mother-of-two, was joined by Meghan Markle, while her husband, 57, joined his brother King Charles III, nephews Princes William and Harry, sister Princess Anne and brother Prince Andrew walking behind the Queen. 

During the ceremony, the Earl of Wessex and his wife appeared distraught, crying as they both watched the Queen’s coffin. 

The late Queen’s daughter-in-law struggled to contain her emotions and was seen wiping her tears as she drove away from the funeral service. 

Sophie and Edward’s two children Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14 were also in attendance.

The Queen’s youngest two grandchildren have shown a maturity far beyond their years as they joined their older cousins in mourning since the Queen died at Balmoral on September 8, aged 96.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, quietly cried as they bid the Queen farewell during her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey today 

The late Queen's daughter-in-law struggled to contain her emotions and was seen wiping her tears as she drove away from the funeral service

The late Queen’s daughter-in-law struggled to contain her emotions and was seen wiping her tears as she drove away from the funeral service 

The Countess was seen wiping tears off of her face as she exited Westminster Abbey with the Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince George and Princess Charlotte

The Countess was seen wiping tears off of her face as she exited Westminster Abbey with the Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince George and Princess Charlotte 

The Countess of Wessex has been a constant presence since the death of the Queen, making a number of appearances to thank well-wishers across the country.

It has been reported that Sophie will also inherit a number of patronages held by Her Majesty.  She is also likely to become the Duchess of Edinburgh – a title previously held by the Queen – when her husband inherits his father’s title as Duke of Edinburgh. 

It will be seen as a reflection of both the close relationship the two women shared, and of the increasingly senior role she holds within the Royal Family. 

Sophie was very close to her mother-in-law and has been noted as the monarch’s ‘favourite’ family member after she married Prince Edward. 

The Countess formed a close bond with the royal family after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005 aged 71, when her daughter Lady Louise Windsor was only two.

The Countess of Wessex arrives at the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle

The Countess of Wessex arrives at the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle

After an emotional morning, Sophie looked composed when she arrived at Windsor for the Queen's committal service

After an emotional morning, Sophie looked composed when she arrived at Windsor for the Queen’s committal service 

The Countess of Wessex, who was sitting with their husband and their children, looked up in a moment of reflection during this afternoon's Committal ceremony today

The Countess of Wessex, who was sitting with their husband and their children, looked up in a moment of reflection during this afternoon’s Committal ceremony today 

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, quietly cried as they bid the Queen farewell during her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey today

The Earl and Countess of Wessex, quietly cried as they bid the Queen farewell during her State Funeral at Westminster Abbey today 

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is seen on The Mall ahead of The State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is seen on The Mall ahead of The State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II

The countess of Wessex arrived for today's service with Meghan Markle, whose husband Prince Harry travelled with his cousin Peter Phillips

The countess of Wessex arrived for today’s service with Meghan Markle, whose husband Prince Harry travelled with his cousin Peter Phillips 

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, were pictured together in the back of a car as they left Westminster Abbey following the state funeral of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, were pictured together in the back of a car as they left Westminster Abbey following the state funeral of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Consort Camilla led Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Sophie Wessex out of the gates of Westminster Abbey. Sophie (right) appeared visibly moved

Queen Consort Camilla led Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and Sophie Wessex out of the gates of Westminster Abbey. Sophie (right) appeared visibly moved

The Countess (pictured back right) looked as though she was struggling to contain her emotions as she walked behind other senior members of the Royal Family following the state funeral of Her late Majesty

The Countess (pictured back right) looked as though she was struggling to contain her emotions as she walked behind other senior members of the Royal Family following the state funeral of Her late Majesty

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, looked solemn as she stood outside Westminster Abbey as the Queen's coffin was carried out in front of them following the funeral service. Pictured: Sophie Wessex (right) standing next to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Wales in front

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, looked solemn as she stood outside Westminster Abbey as the Queen’s coffin was carried out in front of them following the funeral service. Pictured: Sophie Wessex (right) standing next to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Wales in front

Sophie (right) looked serious as the family stood outside Westminster Abbey as the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II concluded. Pictured L-R: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Sophie (right) looked serious as the family stood outside Westminster Abbey as the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II concluded. Pictured L-R: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Kate, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Sophie put on a reassuring arm around her nephew Prince George's arms as the family watched the Queen's coffin being carried away from the Abbey

Sophie put on a reassuring arm around her nephew Prince George’s arms as the family watched the Queen’s coffin being carried away from the Abbey

Sophie Wessex (right) bowed her head as the Queen's coffin laid in front of her while Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Kate, Princess of Wales, looked towards the ground. Meanwhile Queen Consort Camilla remained serious as she looked straight ahead

Sophie Wessex (right) bowed her head as the Queen’s coffin laid in front of her while Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Kate, Princess of Wales, looked towards the ground. Meanwhile Queen Consort Camilla remained serious as she looked straight ahead

An aerial shot of the royals standing outside Westminster Abbey shows Sophie, Countess of Wessex, comforting Prince George, nine, who became emotional at the funeral of his great-grandmother

An aerial shot of the royals standing outside Westminster Abbey shows Sophie, Countess of Wessex, comforting Prince George, nine, who became emotional at the funeral of his great-grandmother

Senior women in the royal family including the Duchess of Sussex, Kate Middleton, Queen Consort Camilla and Sophie Wessex stood outside Westminster Abbey while keeping a watchful eye over the young prince and princess, George and Charlotte

Senior women in the royal family including the Duchess of Sussex, Kate Middleton, Queen Consort Camilla and Sophie Wessex stood outside Westminster Abbey while keeping a watchful eye over the young prince and princess, George and Charlotte

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla and Sophie, Countess of Wessex stood solemn and serious after they left Westminster Abbey following the state funeral of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla and Sophie, Countess of Wessex stood solemn and serious after they left Westminster Abbey following the state funeral of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

The Royal women: Sophie Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, crossed their hands in front of their bodies as they stood outside Westminster Abbey

The Royal women: Sophie Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, crossed their hands in front of their bodies as they stood outside Westminster Abbey 

Sophie Wessex (right) appeared to be keeping a watchful eye over the young Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who looked emotional as they stood outside Westminster Abbey. Pictured L-R: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Sophie Wessex

Sophie Wessex (right) appeared to be keeping a watchful eye over the young Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who looked emotional as they stood outside Westminster Abbey. Pictured L-R: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince George, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Sophie Wessex

Sophie Wessex stood outside Westminster Abbey as she looked on at the Queen's coffin. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (left) looked on from the steps as Eugenie appeared emotional

Sophie Wessex stood outside Westminster Abbey as she looked on at the Queen’s coffin. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (left) looked on from the steps as Eugenie appeared emotional

Sophie and her husband Prince Edward (left) walked ahead of their family members the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they left Westminster Abbey

Sophie and her husband Prince Edward (left) walked ahead of their family members the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they left Westminster Abbey

The Countess of Wessex (front and right) looked down and crossed her hands in front of her body as she stood with other members of the Royal Family in front of the Queen's coffin. Pictured in the front row L-R: King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex

The Countess of Wessex (front and right) looked down and crossed her hands in front of her body as she stood with other members of the Royal Family in front of the Queen’s coffin. Pictured in the front row L-R: King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex

Sophie looked grave as she stood next to an emotional Earl of Wessex during the ceremony as the royal family sang hymns for the late Queen

Sophie looked grave as she stood next to an emotional Earl of Wessex during the ceremony as the royal family sang hymns for the late Queen 

The Countess of Wessex (right) sang a hymn with other senior members of the Royal Family as the late Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest

The Countess of Wessex (right) sang a hymn with other senior members of the Royal Family as the late Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest

Sophie, who was described as the late Monarch's 'rock' looked somber during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey this morning

Sophie, who was described as the late Monarch’s ‘rock’ looked somber during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey this morning 

The somber-looking Countess of Wessex appeared teary-eyed during the ceremony as she looked towards the rest of the congregation

The somber-looking Countess of Wessex appeared teary-eyed during the ceremony as she looked towards the rest of the congregation 

Sophie sat in between her husband Prince Edward and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, in the front row of the state funeral held at Westminster Abbey

Sophie sat in between her husband Prince Edward and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, in the front row of the state funeral held at Westminster Abbey

Members of the Royal Family including Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Sophie Wessex, Prince George, Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be seen walking behind the Queen's coffin as it entered Westminster Abbey. Funeral guests bowed their heads as the coffin was carried past

Members of the Royal Family including Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Sophie Wessex, Prince George, Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be seen walking behind the Queen’s coffin as it entered Westminster Abbey. Funeral guests bowed their heads as the coffin was carried past

An aerial shot of the Royal Family shows them walking behind Her late Majesty the Queen's coffin as it was led into Westminster Abbey

An aerial shot of the Royal Family shows them walking behind Her late Majesty the Queen’s coffin as it was led into Westminster Abbey 

King Charles III is seen on The Mall ahead of The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II 

Kate rested a caring arm on George and his sister Charlotte as they arrive at the Abbey ahead of the Service this morning in London

Kate rested a caring arm on George and his sister Charlotte as they arrive at the Abbey ahead of the Service this morning in London 

Sophie joined the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wakes and her children in greeting the clergymen and women outside the Abbey

Sophie joined the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wakes and her children in greeting the clergymen and women outside the Abbey 

Prince George, Prince Charlotte and their mother, the Princess of Wales, walk into Westminster Abbey for today's service

Prince George, Prince Charlotte and their mother, the Princess of Wales, walk into Westminster Abbey for today’s service 

The Queen is carried to Westminster Abbey - the scene of her coronation and wedding - for her state funeral today

The Queen is carried to Westminster Abbey – the scene of her coronation and wedding – for her state funeral today 

The King and the royal family march to Westminster Abbey from Westminster Hall

The King and the royal family march to Westminster Abbey from Westminster Hall

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive, on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain's Queen Elizabeth

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive, on the day of the state funeral and burial of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth

She was also extremely distraught following the death of the Duke Edinburgh, and became the Queen’s ‘rock’ following his funeral.

Speaking in June last year, royal expert Duncan Larcombe told The Sun: ‘Sophie has emerged as the Queen’s unlikely “rock” as the monarch adjusts to life without Prince Philip. Prince Edward’s wife has – according to sources – made it her personal mission to ensure Her Majesty is fully supported by the family.

‘Since the Duke’s death in April, Sophie has driven the 10 miles from her Bagshot Park home to Windsor Castle every few days and most weekends to spend socially-distanced time with Her Majesty.’

For the days she couldn’t make it to see the Queen in person, the Countess ‘made a point of calling her mother-in-law at least once a day’. 

Sophie, who has been described as ‘the royal peacemaker’ shared a car with Meghan, travelling  behind members of the royal family walking on foot.

Pallbearers gently carried the late monarch's oak coffin, carrying her crown, orb and sceptre

Pallbearers gently carried the late monarch’s oak coffin, carrying her crown, orb and sceptre

Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, and his children arrive at Westminster Hall. Charlotte was next to her father. George was in the back

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, and his children arrive at Westminster Hall. Charlotte was next to her father. George was in the back

The Queen begins her final journey from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey

The Queen begins her final journey from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey

Her Majesty is carried into her funeral watched by her mourning family

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II with the Imperial State Crown resting on top

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II with the Imperial State Crown resting on top

The Queen has been laid to rest with her beloved husband Prince Philip after her crown, orb and sceptre was removed from her coffin so she could descend into her grave ‘as a simple Christian soul’.

Her Majesty returned home to Windsor to be reunited for eternity with her husband, father, mother and sister in the crypt at St George’s Chapel to the sound of a lone piper as her 70-year reign came to an end.

The Royal Family stood at the end of the short service as the Queen was slowly lowered down into the royal vault while the Dean of Windsor said: ‘Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul.’ He also offered the commendation – a prayer in which the deceased is entrusted to God’s mercy.

Moments earlier the Dean had placed her crown and other crown jewels on the altar before the Queen’s staff was snapped – signifying the severing of the Queen from her service in death. The Garter King of Arms then pronounced the styles and titles of the Queen as all power and titles moved to her son, the King.

Her Majesty’s long journey to her final resting place – and to be reunited with the Duke of Edinburgh – began in Balmoral on the day of her death 11 days ago and will end with her private interment at the castle’s St George’s Chapel this evening where the King will scatter earth on his mother’s coffin at 7.30pm at a private family service.

Britain’s longest reigning monarch had been carried into the historic church followed by Charles III, her children and grandchildren including Prince Harry and Prince William. St George’s was where the Queen had sat alone during the funeral of Prince Philip last year – in one of the most poignant images of the pandemic.

The procession was led into the chapel by members of the Queen’s royal household and the coffin was taken along the centre aisle of the nave to the catafalque in the Quire.

Princess Charlotte sat between the Duke of Sussex and her mother the Princess of Wales on the front bench on one side of St George’s Chapel. The Prince of Wales sat on the end of the row next to his son Prince George, followed by the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, and then Harry and his wife the Duchess of Sussex.

Before she was laid to rest the Imperial State Crown, Orb and Sceptre, were removed from the Queen’s coffin and placed onto the altar of St George’s Chapel by the Dean of Windsor.

The final hymn was sung as the King prepared to drape the Queen’s Company Camp Colour of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin. Once in place, the colour was then accompanied by the Lord Chamberlain’s Wand of Office, which he symbolically broke.

The purpose of breaking the wand is to create a symmetry with the three Instruments of State that had been removed from the coffin.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II with the Imperial State Crown resting on top is carried by the Bearer Party into Westminster Abbey past the grave of the Unknown Soldier

King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort, Princess Anne, and her husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, and Kate, Princess of Wales with their children Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, David Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowden, Peter Phillips, The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent follow the coffin

King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort, Princess Anne, and her husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, and Kate, Princess of Wales with their children Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Britain’s Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, David Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowden, Peter Phillips, The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Kent follow the coffin

The King, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward walk to the abbey behind their mother

The King, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward walk to the abbey behind their mother

The Queen made her final and saddest journey to Westminster Abbey earlier today as Britain says farewell to its longest-serving monarch and the royals mourned a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her Majesty was carried in her oak coffin to the gun carriage used by her parents and was followed by her son, the King, and her relatives including the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex. 

The grieving Royal Family are saying farewell to Elizabeth II at her state funeral along with 2,000 VIPs and an estimated 2million people in central London.

The State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin began its funeral procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey at around 10.45am, arriving just before 11am. A single toll from Big Ben signalled the start of the service at Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned since 1066.

Despite the huge crowds, there was absolute silence as around 200 pipers and drummers of Scottish and Irish Regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas and RAF played as the procession went through Parliament Square. The Queen’s own piper played a lament that echoed through the heart of London.

Walking behind the carriage were the King and his siblings, followed by the Prince of Wales, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips. The State Gun Carriage has also been previously used for the funerals of King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, Winston Churchill, and Lord Mountbatten.

There was complete silence from the crowd close to Parliament Square, as the State Gun Carriage carrying the Queen’s coffin slowly moved past. The crowd, momentarily still and with phones held aloft to capture the moment, was around 10-people thick in places, as tens of thousands thronged the streets to say goodbye to the monarch and witness a moment of history.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte travelled to Westminster Abbey in the same car as the Queen Consort, with the Princess of Wales arriving with them. They arrived at the church shortly after some of the Queen’s grandchildren including Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

World leaders including Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron arrived at Westminster Abbey around an hour before the service began. The congregation of 2,000 sat in solemn silence as Her Majesty arrived. 

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