Prince William and Princess Kate have paid their respects to the late Queen on the third anniversary of her passing. Meanwhile, Prince Harry also paid his own tribute just a few miles away.
The royal couple attended an engagement in Sunningdale to honor the late monarch’s extraordinary life at the National Federation of Women’s Institute (WI), where the late Queen had a special connection. Kate, originally not scheduled to be present, decided last minute to join William on this poignant occasion.
Simultaneously, Harry visited St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle to visit his grandmother’s grave immediately after arriving at Heathrow. The Duke of Sussex left a wreath and a bouquet of flowers on the late Queen’s grave in a private moment of reflection, having received special permission for the visit, which was kept private by Buckingham Palace aides despite being spotted by an onlooker.
The Women’s Institute (WI) holds significance as the largest women’s organization in the UK, providing a space for women to come together, engage in activities, share experiences, and collaborate for positive change in communities at various levels. The late Queen was an active WI member for 80 years, serving as President of the Sandringham WI from 2003 until her passing in 2022.
During their visit, William and Kate interacted with WI members from Berkshire and beyond, learning about the organization’s impact in providing opportunities for women to socialize, learn new skills, and participate in community projects. They also heard from members about the late Queen’s involvement in the WI and met individuals who had engaged with her during her reign.
Additionally, King Charles and Queen Camilla honored the anniversary by sharing an image of the late Queen on social media with the caption “Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022.” The sad occasion coincided with Harry’s solo visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, marking his first return home in five months to celebrate the achievements of seriously ill children and their families.
Harry, who has attended the awards ceremony for the 15th time as the charity’s patron, will spend time with winners and their families before presenting an award to an inspirational child. Following his arrival at Heathrow, Harry visited St. George’s Chapel in Windsor to pay his respects to his late grandmother, where his wedding to Meghan Markle took place in 2018.
On this day three years ago, Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 at her Balmoral residence in the Scottish Highlands. Her death led to King Charles ascending to the throne after years of preparation. Known for her longstanding reign symbolizing national stability, the late Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years, until his passing in 2021.
Before her death, she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee and struggled with mobility issues. Her passing at 3:10pm on September 8, announced by Buckingham Palace, marked the end of an era. She rests in the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St. George’s Chapel alongside her husband, parents, and sister Princess Margaret.
Architect Lord Foster has been selected to design a national memorial for the late Queen, featuring a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara. The memorial, set to be completed by 2026, will include statues of the late monarch and Prince Philip, creating a contemplative tribute in St James’s Park near Buckingham Palace. The design is subject to further refinement by a committee before its unveiling.