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Royal fans notice how similar James, Viscount Severn looks at Queen's vigil to young Prince William at Diana's funeral

Prince William was 15 years old when he walked behind Princess Diana's coffin, while James, 14, took part in the vigil for his grandmother

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Royal fans were pleasantly surprised by the calm composure of James, Viscount Severn as he stood guard during the 15-minute vigil for the Queen on Saturday, September 17. Embodying dignity and grace, the Earl of Wessex's 14-year-old son reminded people of a young Prince William who walked behind his mother's coffin during her funeral in 1997. 

James stood guard at his grandmother's coffin at Westminster, with his head bowed down and maintaining a stoic calmness throughout. People have taken to social media platforms to laud the young boy for showcasing a maturity far beyond his years as he walked beside his sister, Lady Louise Winsdor, 18, accompanied by the rest of his cousins during the vigil. 

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Seeing the young viscount's mannerism, people have praised Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex for the upbringing of their children. One user wrote, "Feel so sorry for Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James Viscount Severn, 14 Always impeccably well-mannered and respectful, they are a credit to Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Queen would be so proud of them today #Queen #lyinginstate #QueenElizabeth." While another wrote, "They've stolen my heart too. Louise is 18 years old and James is 15 years old. They are very brave and make their late grandmother and their parents, who are watching, very proud. #LadyLouise #JamesViscountSevern #royalvigil #QueenElizabeth"

Sharing a side-by-side comparison of Prince William during Princess Diana's funeral, and James, during the Queen's vigil, one user wrote, "James, Viscount Severn looks strikingly like a young Prince William today." Someone else praised the 14-year-old's dignified composure, writing, "Young James Viscount Severn looks so much like Prince William when he was of a similar age and having to go through so much pain publicly, such a brave young man #Respect"

The young James has earned people's respect for accompanying his cousins, all of whom are much older and carry far more experience. "Honestly don’t know how James, Viscount Severn managed to stand vigil with his cousins. He’s a 14 year old boy. So brave. I couldn’t have done that if it was me," tweeted another. One user called him "admirable", writing, "You don't hear or see much of him, but after today I have huge respect for James, Viscount Severn. An admirable young lad."

"Imagine being 14 and standing vigil besides the coffin of your grandmother. This was admirable from James, Viscount Severn," sympathized another.

At the same time, there were others for whom the comparison between James and William did not sit well. One user objected to the comparison, arguing instead that the young viscount shares a far more striking similarity with Prince Harry rather than the mere "blonde fringe" that resembles William's. "Um, excuse me: This is James, Viscount Severn and Prince Harry. Harry stood stoic behind his mother's coffin too. Because of a freaking blonde fringe Harry's little twin is now a a copy of brave William? That'll do me. I'm officially team Harry. #PrinceHarry #PrinceWilliam," wrote the person.