The Prince of Wales and his wife,Kate Middleton, greeted mourners outside the Norwich Gates of Sandringham House on Thursday while taking in thousands of touching tributes to the late monarch, whodied September 8 at age 96.
“William said he thinks Monday will be hard,” Bex Neeve, of Norfolk country, tells PEOPLE.
“Kate said it’s been overwhelming, and she and William are very grateful for everyone being here,” Neeve says. “She was emotional. They seemed like they were here to soak up all the love.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Upon the death of the Queen a week ago, William’s father becameKing Charles IIIand began his reign. A day later, the new King addressed the nation for the first time and announced that William and Kate, both 40, would inherit the titles ofPrince and Princess of Wales, which he and William’s mother,Diana, Princess of Wales, once held.
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Thursday’s outing markedPrince Williamand Kate’sfirst solo appearance since inheriting the titles.
“You can tell William is his mother’s son,” Neeve’s mother, Sharon Clouting, 64, tells PEOPLE. “He was chatting so easily and very sincere.”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
“I can’t believe how together they are,” Tomlinson, 51, tells PEOPLE. “They seem to be supporting us rather than us supporting them.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
On Wednesday, a coffin carrying the Queen journeyed through London from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for a five-daylying in stateahead of Monday’s funeral.
Prince William joined the king and other members of the royal family, including his brotherPrince Harry, in the procession.
Queen Elizabeth II.Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty
Kate and Harry’s wife,Meghan Markle, werevisibly emotionalas the monarch’s coffin, which was topped with theImperial State Crownand draped with the Royal Standard, arrived at the medieval hall.
source: people.com
