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Prince William, Harry walk behind Queen’s coffin 25 years after Princess Diana’s funeral

The West AustralianThe West Australian
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The sight of Princes William and Harry walking together behind the Queen’s coffin in a procession to Westminster Hall has triggered emotional memories from their mother Diana’s funeral 25 years ago.
Camera IconThe sight of Princes William and Harry walking together behind the Queen’s coffin in a procession to Westminster Hall has triggered emotional memories from their mother Diana’s funeral 25 years ago. Credit: The West Australian

The sight of Princes William and Harry walking together behind the Queen’s coffin in a procession to Westminster Hall has triggered emotional memories from their mother Diana’s funeral 25 years ago.

The brothers walked side-by-side behind the Queen’s coffin as it left Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon.

Along with King Charles and other royal family members, they processed to Westminster Hall — the oldest building in the Palace of Westminster — where the Queen will lie in state.

The brothers walked side-by-side behind the Queen’s coffin as it left Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon.
Camera IconThe brothers walked side-by-side behind the Queen’s coffin as it left Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon. Credit: Martin Meissner/AP

The procession arrived at 3pm UK time, with the journey taking 38 minutes.

Poignant memories for William and Harry were sure to be evoked during the solemn afternoon after the pair, at age 15 and 12 respectively, also walked behind the coffin of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.

However, during Diana’s coffin procession the brothers were separated by Earl Spencer who walked in between them.

FILE - In this Sept. 6, 1997 file photo, from left, Britain's Prince Philip, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles walk outside Westminster Abbey during the funeral procession for Diana, Princess of Wales. Buckingham Palace officials say Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died, it was announced on Friday, April 9, 2021. He was 99. Philip spent a month in hospital earlier this year before being released on March 16 to return to Windsor Castle. Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, married Elizabeth in 1947 and was the longest-serving consort in British history.  (AP Photo/Jeff J. Mitchell, Pool, File)
Camera IconDuring Diana’s coffin procession the brothers were separated by Earl Spencer who walked in between them. Credit: Jeff J. Mitchell/AP

The trio were flanked by Prince Charles and Prince Philip.

In a media interview five years ago, Harry spoke openly about the profound impact his mother’s tragic death had on his mental health as a young boy.

Earl Spencer (1st left), Prince William, Prince Harry and The Prince of Wales (1st right) watch the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales, leave Westminster Abbey following her funeral Saturday Sept. 6, 1997. (AP Photo/ Sean Dempsey)
Camera IconEarl Spencer (1st left), Prince William, Prince Harry and The Prince of Wales (1st right) watch the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales, leave Westminster Abbey following her funeral Saturday Sept. 6, 1997. Credit: SEAN DEMPSEY/AP

“My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television,” he said.

“I don’t think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don’t think it would happen today.”

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