Prince William says ‘challenging’ walk behind Queen’s coffin ‘brought back a few memories’

The new Prince of Wales has spoken about the ordeal of taking part in yesterday’s procession, in which he walked behind the Queen’s coffin, telling a member of the public that it “brought back a few memories”.

Prince William, who famously walked behind his mother Diana’s coffin in 1997, said the walk yesterday was “challenging”.

Speaking to mourners at Sandringham today, the future King added: “It’s one of these moments where you kinda think to yourself I’ve prepared myself for this but I’m not that prepared.

“It’s this weird kind of thing… because we knew she was 96”.

Thousands of people travelled to the Norfolk estate to pay their respects.

Flowers have been piling up by the Norwich Gates to Sandringham House since Her Majesty’s death a week ago.

Nearly four-mile queue to see Queen – follow latest updates

Prince William and Kate held hands as they viewed the tributes people had left to his grandmother, while a large crowd gathered behind metal barriers.

The couple chatted and shook hands with some of those who had turned out to honour the late monarch.

Norfolk Police said an “increasing number” of people were expected to take flowers to the estate so they have put in a one-way system to manage crowds.

Meanwhile, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, travelled to Manchester to meet people at St Ann’s Square.

More on the Queen:
Queen queue passes Tower Bridge and continues to grow
Funeral details revealed as monarch to be buried with Prince Philip

They spent several minutes shaking hands and chatting with members of the public, with the Countess of Wessex leaning over the barrier to hug a child.

“Thank you very much indeed, thank you everybody,” Prince Edward said before leaving to a round of applause.

The couple will light a candle in memory of the Queen at the city’s cathedral and view the book of condolence at Manchester’s Central Library.

King Charles has returned to his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire for a private day of reflection, taking time away from public duties at his family residence.

The Queen is currently lying in state at Westminster Hall ahead of her funeral on Monday.