On Tuesday night, she joined the king, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex as they held a silent vigil by the coffin. The first woman to take part in such a vigil, she fixed her eyes on the floor lost in thought. On Tuesday, the princess, accompanied by her husband, Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence, stepped out of the RAF jet in front of her mother’s coffin ready to officially welcome her home. He stood on the tarmac under dark skies, watching intently as he was carried off the plane and onto English soil before being carefully placed in the state hearse for a painful return to Buckingham Palace. Again, as her mother’s body passed her, she fell into a run, bowing her head for a moment. The Princess’ full statement, released at 7pm on Tuesday, read: I was lucky enough to share the last 24 hours of my dear mother’s life. It was an honor and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these trips was both humbling and uplifting. We will all share unique memories. I express my thanks to all who share our sense of loss. Perhaps they reminded us how much we took her presence and contribution to our national identity for granted. I am also so grateful for the support and understanding extended to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the additional responsibilities of The Monarch. To my mother, the queen, I thank you.
