Alongside his wife the
Princess of Wales, Prince William spoke to volunteers and operational staff
at Windsor Guildhall on Thursday, thanking them for their outstanding
support and “seamless operation” during the Queen’s committal
service.
Speaking to a member of the
logistics team, the royal gushed: “Certain moments catch you out. You are
prepared for all, but certain moments catch you out.” He added:
“It is the things you don’t expect that get to you,” adding that he
got “choked up” over the Paddington tributes.
The dad-of-three later spoke
to council workers and joked about there being a new form of “competition” between
Paddington Bear and the corgis. “Paddington is ‘a new
addition’ but the corgis have been there for longer,” he
quipped.
As per royal mourning
guidelines, the royal couple appeared in black as a show of respect for the
late Queen who passed away on 8 September. Kate looked particularly chic in a
tailored black coat adorned with gold buttons, black heels and pearl drop
earrings.
Prince William, meanwhile,
opted to wear a smart navy suit and black tie. Members of the royal family will
continue to observe the royal mourning period until Monday 26.
Their surprise Windsor outing
is the first time the royal couple have made a public appearance since the late
monarch’s poignant funeral service on Monday.
Prince William was due to make
an appearance in New York on Wednesday at The Earthshot Prize Innovation
Summit but regrettably cancelled ahead of the event.
In a pre-recorded video, the
royal shared a touching message in which he mentioned the late monarch. William
gushed: “Although it is the saddest of circumstances that means I cannot
join you in person today, I am pleased to be able to join you in video form as
you gather in New York for the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit.
“During this time of
grief, I take great comfort in your continued enthusiasm, optimism and
commitment to The Earthshot Prize and what we are trying to achieve.”
Paying tribute to Her Majesty,
the 40-year-old added: “Protecting the environment was a cause close to my
grandmother’s heart, and I know she would have been delighted to hear about
this event and the support you are all giving our Earthshot Finalists – the
next generation of environmental pioneers.”
