'Keep things as normal as possible': Prince William reveals how he is helping his 3 children cope with Queen's death
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Princess Kate are making every effort to help their mourning children. The new Prince of Wales spoke candidly about his family, including their three kids, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, to one well-wisher in the audience during their lengthy 40-minute walkabout outside Windsor Castle on Saturday, People magazine reported.
The 58-year-old Wokingham teacher Elaine Gee spoke with William about how hard it was to convey the Queen's passing to her elementary school students. "I told him how I work at a school and how it's been a strange year celebrating the Jubilee and now it's all changed and we are talking about this. He spoke about George, Charlotte and Louis, saying that they were trying to keep some sense of continuity for them at school and keep things as normal as possible," Elaine Gee told People magazine. An insight into the royal family's abstract personal troubles post the death of the Queen was not expected by people.
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According to the article, Gee was in Windsor with her husband Rob, 62, and was travelling from Wokingham. She complimented Kate on her and Wiiliam's professionalism throughout this difficult time. "Catherine thanked me, and she said that all the nation were feeling it. They were both very kind and gentle and genuine. It was very special — definitely a moment I will always treasure," she said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reside in California, joined Prince William and Kate, both 40, on the walk to inspect floral tributes outside Windsor Castle. This was after William extended an invitation to them in a rare display of harmony following months of conflict between the 'Fab Four' — the two brothers and their respective spouses. All four were dressed in black as they spoke to hundreds of mourners outside the iconic castle while they paid their respects to the late Queen, who passed away peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday, Sept 8.. Many of the mourners left flower bouquets and heartfelt sympathy cards.
Meghan, 41, and Harry, 37, who arrived at the castle independently of Kate and William, departed in the same vehicle with William driving. While on the castle walkabout, they strolled on one side, engaging with the gathered throng, while Kate and William mostly worked the other side, leaving little time for engagement. One spectator expressed his astonishment and joy upon meeting Meghan. Sanj Chowdhri, 46 from Windsor said: "She shook my hand and said it was really nice of us to come and support the family; she was very gracious," while his wife Minal Chowdhri, 43 said: "We didn't expect this, it's been surreal!" Robert Fowler, 56, and Debbie Fowler, 47, said it was nice to hear them chit-chatting with everyone. Kate was even summoned by William to pet a canine companion. "It was amazing, they were so personable. Somebody gave William a pot plant, and he said he was going to plant it. And they were talking about people's dogs, and Will called Kate over to stroke one near us. They are in mourning, and yet they were so lovely to everyone," Debbie said.
The four royals graciously took the gifts and expressed their gratitude to everyone. Kate nodded in agreement as a well-wisher said it was almost as if the Queen had been the country's grandma. "Yes, I know she will be missed by so many, and it's lovely to see the outpouring of love from people of all ages here today," Kate said. "It's hugely touching to see."