Princess Kate and Prince William have made their first appearance after farewelling Queen Elizabeth II earlier this week.
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised volunteers and support staff who worked tirelessly at the significant state funeral to ensure it unfolded without a hitch. The couple, who travelled to Guildhall in Windsor for the event on Thursday, appeared animated and engaged as they chatted to guests.
At one point, William spoke of how he and the family are coping following the loss of his grandmother.
“There are certain moments that catch you out. You are prepared for all, but certain moments catch you out,” he said, per BBC.
But he added that the outpouring of public support for the Queen had helped: “If you flip it on its head, it is always very comforting that so many people care. It makes it a lot better.”
William also noted that the sweet Paddington Bear tributes for the Queen made him “choke up”. We can’t blame him—the Queen’s video with the iconic train station-dwelling character for her Platinum Jubilee this year was met with delight, which made the tributes following her death all the more emotional.
Kate a wore an all-black ensemble for the engagement owing to the mourning period the royals are currently observing. It will end exactly one week after the Queen’s funeral.
The royal’s black coat dress featured brass buttons with a simple crew neck, and she wore her hair long in loose waves.
Meanwhile William wore a navy suit and black tie. Men in the royal family often wear dark navy suits at times of mourning—nine-year-old Prince George also wore one to his great-grandmother’s funeral.
The Wales’ appearance comes after a mammoth few weeks for the royals. Following the Queen’s death on September 8, a chain of major pre-planned events unfolded, and they included multiple public appearances from William and Kate where they met hundreds of well-wishers who travelled to London and Windsor to pay their respects.
The couple were also reunited with Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan for several events including a walkabout at Windsor Castle.
The family also gathered together for the private burial of Her Majesty following her funeral on Monday. She was laid to rest at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel alongside her father King George VI and her husband Prince Philip.
