Countess of Wessex Supports Princess Anne as Queen’s Coffin Arrives in Edinburgh

In a heartfelt display of solidarity, the Countess of Wessex was seen comforting Princess Anne as the royal family gathered to witness Queen Elizabeth II's coffin arriving in Edinburgh.

The Queen's youngest son Prince Edward's wife, Sophie, placed her hand on the Princess Royal's back, providing support as the coffin made its journey from Balmoral to the Scottish city.

The solemn occasion took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Queen's children and their spouses, including Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, Duke of York, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, were present.

As soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland carried the coffin into the Palace, a poignant moment unfolded.

The royal women curtsied, paying deference to the monarch, while the men bowed their heads.

It was a testament to the deep respect they held for Queen Elizabeth II.

Accompanying her on the 180-mile journey were Princess Anne and her husband, who followed closely behind in a limousine as part of the procession.

The Queen will spend the night at the Palace of Holyroodhouse before being transferred to St Giles' Cathedral the following day.

Earlier in the day, a large crowd had gathered at the cathedral to witness the midday proclamation of King Charles as the Head of State.

Both Princess Anne and Sophie appeared tearful as they observed the floral tributes left for the Queen at Balmoral, joining other members of the royal family in their grief.

Meanwhile, in a touching gesture of farewell, Scottish mourners lined the route of the coffin procession as it departed Balmoral for the last time.

Thousands of well-wishers stood in silence, demonstrating their respect and bidding farewell to the Queen, who had always felt a deep connection to Scotland.

Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter, was chosen by her mother to accompany the funeral cortege on its six-hour journey to Edinburgh.

Despite her forlorn expression, the Princess Royal remained composed as she followed behind the hearse in a royal Bentley, accompanied by her husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence.

Every detail of the Queen's funeral arrangements had been carefully planned, suggesting that Her Majesty personally requested her daughter's presence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Princess Anne will also travel to London with her mother's coffin the following day, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.

Anne, renowned for her tireless work ethic, has completed over 20,000 engagements and is widely regarded as one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.

In other news, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to remain in the UK ahead of the Queen's funeral and extend their stay for an additional seven days to observe the period of royal mourning.

According to a spokesperson for the couple, their children, Archie and Lilibet, are staying with their caregivers and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at their home in Montecito, California.

Prince Harry traveled to Scotland alone, arriving too late to bid farewell to his beloved grandmother.

Only King Charles and Princess Anne managed to be present in time to pay their final respects to the monarch.

Earlier this week, Harry and Meghan joined Prince William and Kate Middleton to view the floral tributes left outside the gates of Windsor Castle for the Queen.

The couples took the opportunity to interact with members of the crowd who had come to express their condolences to the royal family.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace confirmed that a period of royal mourning will be observed from now until seven days after the Queen's funeral, as per the wishes of King Charles.

The date of the funeral will be announced in due course.

Members of the royal family, royal household staff, representatives of the royal household on official duties, and troops committed to ceremonial duties will all observe the period of mourning.