The Queen’s youngest grandchild is being hailed for showing immense bravery yesterday as he stood guard with his seven other cousins while his grandmother lay in state at Westminster Hall.
According to local media outlets, this was the first royal duty performed by 14-year-old James Viscount, who attended the final vigil at his grandmother’s casket yesterday.
All eyes were on the eight of them as many shed a tear seeing how devoted and loving these kids appeared while paying their final respects to a woman that the world hails as a great leader by all means.
Many took to social media to express their great sympathy for James Viscount Severn, the youngest among the Queen’s grandchildren. And seeing him stand so bravely amid all the high-profile cameras and audiences was definitely something they call commendable.
James clearly stole the spotlight for being so young but acting so mature throughout the vigil. It was clear that he was keen on following in the footsteps of his cousin, Prince William.
James is the son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. He was there right by the side of his sister, Lady Louise, and cousins Prince Harry, Prince William, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie.
Watched on by his own parents, he certainly looked calm, cool, and collected throughout the 15-minute-long vigil.
He stood very patiently and maturely for his age, with his head bowed down as so many mourners continued to pass.
For little James, this type of public display of mourning is definitely a unique affair since Edward and Sophie decided against giving their kids the titles of Prince and Princess.
Thanks to their parents, the kids have been kept out of public and the royal spotlight. James is just one year younger than Prince William when the latter famously stood behind his mom’s coffin in 1997 at the age of 15.