Grief-stricken Prince Andrew fights back tears as he walks behind Queen's coffin during funeral procession

The prince had a pained look on his face as he followed his elder brother King Charles

UPDATED SEP 19, 2022

Prince Andrew looked absolutely devastated and he was holding back tears during the procession for Queen Elizabeth II (Screenshot from Independent/YouTube)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Prince Andrew appeared to be holding back his tears as he made his way into Westminster Abbey behind the coffin of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duke of York arrived at Westminister Hall to join other royal members in the procession where the Queen's coffin was being taken to Westminster Abbey. Andrew had a pained look on his face as he followed his elder brother King Charles.

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During the solemn procession, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, walked on the left of the Queen’s coffin with Andrew on its right while Princess Anne walked on Andrew’s right with Charles flanking her.

Anne, Princess Royal, King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex follow behind The Queen's funeral cortege borne on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy as it proceeds towards Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — Anne, Princess Royal, King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex follow behind The Queen's funeral cortege borne on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy as it proceeds towards Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

Marching alongside his siblings and in front of Prince Harry, Andrew was seen biting his lips and fighting back tears as he looked overwhelmed with emotion when the Queen’s casket arrived at Westminister Abbey. The prince wore his military medals on his chest during the procession. Just he and the Duke of Sussex remained in civilian clothing for the Queen’s funeral.

Prince andrew was seen biting hios lipa and holding back his tears during the Queen's funeral procession to Westminster Abbey (Screenchot from Independent/YouTube)

Andrew, who played a central role in Queen’s funeral, was known to be very close to his late mother. In August, when the Queen was struggling with mobility issues, he visited her many times at Windsor Castle. The Duke of York even expressed his love for his mother in a statement released on Sunday, September 18.

King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips arrive at Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips arrive at Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

"Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one,” the statement read. "Your Majesty, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you. Mother - of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation are unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honouring their respect," it went on to say.

A general view inside Westminster Abbey ahead of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — A general view inside Westminster Abbey ahead of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, in London, England (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

"Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever. I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment. I will mill your insights, advice, and humor. As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide," it added.

Over the period of mourning, Andrew made several royal public appearances despite stepping down from his royal duties back in November 2019.

Conducted by the Dean of Westminister, the state funeral of the Queen began at 11 am with more than 2,000 royal members present in the abbey. The royal family and its extended members, many world leaders and dignitaries were at the funeral, including US President Joe Biden. The Queen will then be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Prince Consort Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, following a private service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.