PRINCE Harry yesterday endured a tearful and lonely vigil at the Queen’s final resting place.
The Duke of Sussex, 38, was pictured looking choked up as he emerged from St George’s Chapel, inside Windsor Castle, at 9.50am.
Prince Harry exits the chapel just before 10am after a solo vigilCredit: Amy Giles
King Charles and Queen Camilla held a private 30-minute prayer and reflection at Crathie KirkCredit: AFP
William and Kate attended a private service of remembrance at St Davids Cathedral in PembrokeshireCredit: AFP
The chapel had been unlocked especially for Harry’s private vigil on the first anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death.
He spent time alone by the ledger marking where his grandmother was interned with Prince Philip.
Visitor Amy Giles said: “He had his rose red cheeks so I think he may have been crying. I’m not surprised because I cried too.
“He loved his gran and they had such a good bond. It definitely seemed like they laughed together a lot before he moved to America.”
Meanwhile, 250 miles away, William and Kate attended a private service of remembrance at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.
William solemnly clasped his hands in front of him for around 30 seconds in silence.
Kate laid a bouquet of white flowers next to a photo of the Queen.
She told the 20-strong congregation how she remembered the Queen with great affection.
She told wellwisher Patricia Mawuli Porter: “We all have wonderful memories of her, we have to hold on to them, cherish them.”
Flying instructor Mrs Porter, 35, from Haverfordwest, said: “It was lovely to speak to the Princess on a personal basis, she was like an old friend, she can chat to anyone.”
Kate, in a burgundy dresscoat by Eponine and a hat by Sahar Millinery, even helped a lady to her feet when she slipped among the crowd.
The royal couple had been greeted with applause when they arrived, with a well-wisher shouting: “You’re doing a great job.”
King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla held a private 30-minute prayer and reflection at Crathie Kirk, near the gates of Balmoral, 500 miles away in Scotland.
The couple spoke to wellwishers who included estate staff, members of the Royal Household and the public.
The King and Queen were joined by the Queen’s niece and nephew, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon, plus their families.
Back at Windsor, the Queen’s youngest sons Andrew, 63, and Edward, 59, held flowers and smiled as they entered St George’s Chapel for a service at 5.15pm.
The brothers left at 6pm. It was not clear if Andy’s ex-wife Sarah or Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attended.
The Sun revealed last month, Harry had not been invited to join any the other royals.
And sources said he wanted to mark the anniversary himself.
A ledger marking the spot inside King George VI Memorial Chapel, part of St George’s Chapel, is open to the public.
The last time Harry was believed to be in the main chapel was with Meghan and the rest of the Royal Family for the Queen’s committal service last September.
Wellwisher Amy, who visited with mum Barbara, added: “It is a shame Harry had to come alone. However I feel Meghan felt it probably wasn’t appropriate to come and was better for her to stay away.
“We were literally going to chapel and it didn’t open for the public until 10.
“I saw a car and said it looks like a big royal Range Rover so I decided to stand out.
“Ten minutes later people started moving around and the next thing Prince Harry came out.
“He didn’t speak to anybody. Although I don’t think he had many fans there. It was complete silence. He did look at us but he didn’t smile or acknowledge anyone.
“It all just happened so so fast. They wanted to get him out. People knew something was going on so it felt like it was ‘get in, turn around and leave’ for Harry.
“The car was waiting by the chapel exit and it drove off straight away.”
After his morning vigil, Harry jetted from Heathrow to Dusseldorf, Germany, and checked into the 1,600 euro-a-night Presidential suite at the Hyatt Regency hotel.
He will open his Invictus Games today, and Meghan is expected to join him there on Monday.
Harry spoke about the Queen at the WellChild charity gala in West London on Thursday.
He was on a whistle-stop trip to the UK for the first time since he was evicted by the King from Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate.
On social media William and Kate posted three photos including one of Louis, George and Charlotte on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee.
Another – which was first released on what would have been her 97th birthday this year – shows the late Queen surrounded by grand-children and great-grandchildren.
Kate and Wills wrote: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We miss you. W & C.”
The Royal Family’s social media account shared a smiling photo of the Queen and wrote: “In loving and everlasting memory. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 21st April 1926 — 8th September 2022.”
Andrew’s youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, 33, also paid tribute to her late grandmother.
She wrote: “Thinking of you today. Missing you so much but remembering what a life of service, love and dedication to everyone and to your family, who loved you so very much.
“Forever grateful to you. And always in my heart.”
It was followed by two red heart emojis and an image of a smiling Eugenie sat next to the Queen outside a cabin on the Balmoral estate.
The late Queen’s senior dresser and confidante Angela Kelly also posted a moving tribute, writing: “I will never forget you. I will always love you. I miss you my friend.”
Adored royal pets ‘thriving’
THE Queen’s corgis are “thriving”, Sarah Ferguson has revealed.
Two of Her Majesty’s beloved pets — Sandy and Muick — cuddled up to the Duchess of York in an adorable photo released yesterday.
Fergie, 63, who has cared for the dogs at Windsor’s Royal Lodge since last year, wrote on Instagram: “The Queen entrusted me with the care of her corgis and I am delighted to say they are thriving.”
It comes as the late monarch’s pony Emma marked the anniversary of her death by appearing to bow her head during a walk-around at Windsor Castle.
The fell riding pony, aged 27, was held by the Queen’s trusted stud groom Terry Pendry, who last year was made a military knight for his work with royal animals.
King Charles released this image of the late Queen to mark the anniversary of her passingCredit: PA
Sarah Ferguson cuddled up to the Queen’s beloved Sandy and Muick
The Queen’s Head Groom Terry Pendry walks her pony EmmaCredit: Jon Bond
