This is the touching moment the Earl and Countess of Wessex lit candles at Manchester Cathedral in memory of the Queen.
Crowds in the city gave Edward and Sophie a warm welcome on Thursday as they also viewed floral tributes in St Ann’s Square and a book of condolence at the Central Library.
The couple travelled to Manchester a day after they paid their respects with the rest of the royal family at Westminster Hall, where the Queen is lying in state.
Members of the public have flocked to the cathedral since the monarch’s death to sign a book of condolence and light a candle.
The earl and countess were invited by the Dean of Manchester, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, and the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, to each light a candle.
They were also shown photographs of the Queen’s last visit to the cathedral, to mark the 600th anniversary celebration of the collegiate church in July 2021.
This is the touching moment the Earl and Countess of Wessex lit candles at Manchester Cathedral in memory of the Queen
The earl and countess were invited by the Dean of Manchester, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, and the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, to each light a candle. They were also shown photographs of the Queen’s last visit to the cathedral, to mark the 600th anniversary celebration of the collegiate church in July 2021
The Earl and Countess of Wessex view tributes as they visit Manchester Cathedral where they lit a candle in memory of Queen Elizabeth II
In Manchester, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex , met Josh, a young mourner who had gathered in Manchester with his mother, Sue
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, embraces young Josh, as she views floral tributes in St Ann’s Square, during a visit to Manchester
Meanwhile, the mother of a young royal fan who was warmly hugged by Sophie as she greeted mourners in Manchester today spoke of how the Queen was ‘like a grandmother’ to him.
During her walkabout, Sophie spotted young Josh, who was wearing a Union Jack cap and clutching a teddy bear, and took the bouquet of flowers he was offering.
When he asked for a hug, she gave him a warm embrace, not once, but twice, before departing St Ann’s Square.
Recounting the moment they met, Josh’s mother, Sue, told Sky News: ‘She just said ”nice to meet you, do you want me to take your flowers?” Then Josh said ”can I have a hug?”.
‘They hugged, then he asked for a photo. The bouquet is signed from Josh but it’s got my name on it as well.’
Asked what the moment felt like, Josh – who is non-verbal – replied: ‘Happy.’
Referencing the Queen, his mother added: ‘She’s like a grandma isn’t she, she’s always been there. We’re going to tell nanny and aunty Paula [about the experience of meeting Sophie].
Josh and mother Sue spoke of what meeting Sophie meant to them on Sky News this afternoon
Recounting the moment they met, Sue said: ‘She just said ”nice to meet you, do you want me to take your flowers?” Then Josh said ”can I have a hug?”. They hugged, then he asked for a photo’
Sophie, Countess of Wessex greets members of the public outside Manchester’s Central Library following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie, Countess of Wessex views the civic Book of Condolence at Manchester’s Central Library following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex view cards and floral tributes in Manchester Cathedral following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex visit Manchester ahead of the Queen’s funeral
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex view cards and floral tributes at Manchester’s Central Library following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie, Countess of Wessex greets members of the public outside Manchester’s Central Library following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The Earl and Countess of Wessex views tributes as they visit Manchester Cathedral where they lit a candle in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, following her death
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex visit Manchester Cathedral to light a candle in memory of Her Majesty The Queen
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex visit Manchester Cathedral to light a candle in memory of Her Majesty The Queen
Sophie Countess of Wessex view floral tributes to the Queen in St Ann’s Square, Manchester this afternoon
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex view floral tributes in St Ann’s Square, Manchester
Sophie Countess of Wessex speaks with well-wishers in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, this afternoon
Britain’s Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, is presented a bouquet of flowers as he arrives at the Manchester Central Library to view the civic Book of Condolence for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie Countess of Wessex speaks with well-wishers in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, this afternoon
The Earl of Wessex views the civic Book of Condolence at Manchester’s Central Library, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, meets the public as she arrives at the Manchester Central Library to view the civic Book of Condolence for late Queen Elizabeth II
Sophie Countess of Wessex receives sunflowers from a crowd member outside Manchester’s Central Library
Sophie Countess of Wessex arrives in Manchester to view the civic Book of Condolence for Her Majesty The Queen
The Earl of Wessex meeting members of the public outside Manchester’s Central Library during a visit to the city
Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex view cards of Condolence for Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex visit Manchester ahead of the Queen’s funeral
Sophie Countess of Wessex arrives in Manchester to view the civic Book of Condolence for Her Majesty The Queen
Senior royals fanned out across the UK today to join a nation mourning their late Queen.
With King Charles III enjoying a much-deserved rest at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, the rest of his family took up the mantle.
At Sandringham, the Princess of Wales told a well-wisher she would burst into tears if she read too many sympathy cards as she and William met crowds.
Fran Morgan, 62, spoke to Kate as she and William inspected the sea of flowers outside Sandringham. Recalling their conservation, Mrs Morgan said: ‘She said she couldn’t believe how many cards and flowers there were. But she also said ”I can’t read them all or I would cry”.’
William was also heard telling a mourner he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the outpouring of support.
One visitor who missed the entire visit was three-month old Eddie Shakespeare who fell asleep just as the Royal couple arrived.
His mother Maisie, 27, from Cambridgeshire, said: ‘I was going to wake him up and show him to Kate, but I didn’t have the heart.
‘She thanked me for coming and said that all the sympathy meant a lot to her and William. I’m glad I came, but as for Eddie, I’ll just have to tell him about it when he’s older!’
Meanwhile, the Princess Royal, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence, visited Glasgow City Chambers to meet representatives of organisations of which the Queen was patron.
Pictures showed her chatting to crowds outside before reading messages left on colourful bouquets.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk