james viscount severn peter phillips© Photo: BBC

James, Viscount Severn debuts gift from the Queen during emotional vigil

The teenager stood guard over his grandmother's coffin

Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
September 17, 2022

On Saturday, the Queen's grandchildren held an emotional vigil at her coffin, just as their parents had done so on Friday.

READ: The Queen experienced heartbreaking loss days before death - details

Among them were teenagers Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, who are 18 and 14 respectively, and James wore a gift from his grandmother for the first time out in public. The young royal was seen wearing his Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals. The commemorative medals were designed for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, and she gave them to members of the family.

WATCH: The Queen's grandchildren arrive for vigil

James is very rarely seen out in public, owing to his young age, so this was the first time we'd seen him with the medals.

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The royal hadn't worn them at the Queen's Jubilee, nor during a service held in Westminster Hall on Wednesday.

At the service, James looked very smart in a black suit and was visibly moved by the occasion as he bowed his head in respect to his late grandmother.

In the crowds for the vigil was James and Lady Louise's mother and father, Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward and the Countess looked full of emotion and pride.

© Photo: Getty Images

James stood guard over his grandmother's coffin

HELLO! understands that the Earl and Countess were present to support their young children during what would have been a very emotional time. Similarly, Lady Louise and James were in the crowd when Edward was part of the vigil on Friday.

Prince William, in full military uniform led the vigil, and James stood beside elder cousin Peter Phillips as they bowed their heads.

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The royals were led out by William following the conclusion of the ceremony.

James will be one of the guests at the Queen's funeral on Monday, although it is not known if he will form part of the procession behind Her Majesty's coffin.

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