In a historic moment, the grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II participated in a vigil for the first time.
Prince William, Prince Harry, Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise, and James Viscount VII stood alongside their grandmother’s coffin at Westminster Hall for 15 minutes, creating history.
The presence of James Viscount VII, the Queen’s youngest grandson, drew sympathy from royal fans as he carried out his first royal duty at the tender age of 14.
Many couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to Prince William and Prince Harry during Princess Diana’s funeral.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages praising James for his maturity and bravery.
People were impressed by how solemnly he guarded the coffin, with his head bowed down, never once losing focus.
One Twitter user wrote, “With absolute huge respect to Viscount VII, at just 14 years old, he stood vigil at his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s coffin, showing absolute respect, loyalty, and dignity under the harsh scrutiny of the public.
Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex have every reason to be proud.”
Another message commended James, saying, “Well done James Viscount VII.
Very brave thing to do.
I doubt I could have done it at 14.
Your grandmother would be so proud of you.”
The vigil brought back memories of Princess Diana’s funeral for many.
The sight of 14-year-old James participating in the vigil alongside his cousins over Queen Elizabeth’s coffin evoked emotions similar to those felt during Prince Harry’s walk behind his mother’s casket.
One person shared, “It’s honestly quite harrowing seeing Viscount VII, who’s 14 years old, taking part in a vigil alongside his cousins over Queen Elizabeth’s coffin.
It’s giving me Prince Harry vibes walking behind Princess Diana’s coffin all those years ago.”
Another individual expressed their own personal connection, saying, “That grandchildren vigil has brought back memories of saying goodbye to my own grandma.
Don’t think I’d have wanted to stand there so publicly.
The youngest grandson, Viscount VII, was especially brave.
I guess it brings back memories of Diana’s funeral for William and Harry.”
James Viscount VII’s composure and maturity impressed many online users.
Despite his young age, he displayed remarkable strength and stoicism.
One user remarked, “I was amazed by James.
He’s 14 years old and he didn’t have to do it in my opinion.
I believe everyone would have been fine if not because he’s just 14, but he and Louise did extremely well.
Louise stood there as stoic as she could.
Sophie and Edward should be very proud, and I love it that both of them were there to mourn and especially support their children.
I felt the emotion with Zara and William when they were shown; they looked really, really sad.”
Comparisons were drawn between James and Meghan Markle, with some suggesting that James behaved with more decorum and maturity despite being significantly younger.
One person observed, “Harry, as a 14-year-old boy, stood up at the vigil with an unbelievable amount of decorum and poise to the point that royal fans are still processing just how great his maturity appears to be.
That said, he stood there like an adult multiple times his age, whilst Harry and Meghan couldn’t even face forward on the balcony or walk in a memorial procession without smirking at the camera or drawing attention to themselves.”
During the vigil, James Viscount VII wore both his platinum and diamond jubilee medals, marking the first time he appeared in public wearing these honors.
Notably, parents and spouses were not present at the ceremony, except for the Earl and Countess of Wessex, who were there to support their young children.
The behavior of the Wessex kids was highly praised, as they exemplified grace and dignity, reflecting well on their parents.
In this poignant moment, James Viscount VII’s presence at the vigil alongside his cousins has left a lasting impression.