George and Charlotte to join procession

[Dodie66]

Just reporting on the news George and Charlotte will join the procession inside the cathedral

There is nothing shocking or scary about the loss of a 96 your old relative, your grandfather's parent, even if you're 7 years old. It's completely the natural order of things.
I think therefore that it's the right thing to allow the children to take part.
When my 96 year old grandfather died, my kids were very similar ages to G & C. They had a little part to play in the ceremony, just placing some flowers. They were pleased to be involved.

They've been page boy/girl at plenty of weddings, and they're used to photographers, cameras, and formality to a far greater extent than the average kids. I'd say they'll be fine.

I come from a culture where children go to funerals (Ireland) and death isn't considered an unmentionable topic, and I like that far more than the morbid hush extolled here.

They're not doing anythong like he and his brother did, they're arriving at the Abbey by car and entering with her.

I’m sure if they have a wobble Kate will walk with them

The children are only walking down the aisle behind the coffin not in front of any crowds. I suspect, in reality, they might be walking in between their parents, which doesn't really work page formatting wise in the order of service.

The hysteria on this thread is something to behold. If their parents think they'll be fine, I'm sure they'll be fine.

They had a little part to play in the ceremony, just placing some flowers. They were pleased to be involved.
And did you make them walk in to the church in a formal procession behind you and unable to hold your hand or take any comfort from you while you couldn't even see how they were holding up? I'm going to assume not. Because yes, children at funerals is totally normal and as it should be. Making them independent, even if it's only for the procession so they have to be entirely responsible for their own emotions is not.

Fortunately Harry and Meghan are behind them and I suspect out of any of them they are most likely to humanely break protocol and put a comforting hand on their shoulders if needs be.

What is it with people going on about 'hysteria' on here all the time. Every thread on the RF and someone comes along to say there's 'hysteria'.

@Papyrus I wouldn’t call it hysteria, some people have strong views on whether children should attend funerals, let alone televised state funerals.

I wasn’t allowed to attend my Grandma’s funeral at 10, there isn’t a right or wrong approach.

Talking of Harry, are their children still in the US? Or have they flown over? (Not suggesting they should be at the funeral but just wondered where they were)

Same for me. I'm from a culture (Southern US) where children attend funerals. I went to my first when I was seven, for my great-grandfather. They are also big social events, especially if the deceased is very old.

@Papyrus i think you might be right that they will be walking between their parents and not behind them

Interesting that there is much concern for George and Charlotte having to face the crowds of people and cameras. I don't recall this much concern for them at the time of the Platinum Jubilee, or any of the other events where they have been wheeled out to wave at the crowds.

What a shock.

I would hope that they are walking with their parents. Anything else would be just horrible.

I carried my 2-year-old niece at her dad's funeral. Her siblings aged 3 and 5 were there as well. I wasn't allowed to go to my own father's funeral, and I was 13. Either of those family decisions could be considered right or wrong, depending on the child's own personality.. Different families do things in different ways, and it is not for us to judge how other people approach this difficult situation.

Not sure why people are assuming they know where the children will be in the procession and that they will be walking alone? Or does it say it somewhere on the news I can’t see?

@testingtesting can you not see the difference between attending a fun concert and a funeral of someone you loved? I have taken my children to funerals, in fact several, but always on the proviso we could leave, cry, be private, have hugs. At least once, one of mine hasn't wanted to attend, that''s fine too.

The parading of the children is awful, but I guess that's what ensures the next generation. The papers will be full of their little faces instead of Andrew or whoever.

The order of service lists the order they are walking in

I think they try to toughen the children up a bit, probably why George is taken hunting.

That was a joyful happy event. The crowds were cheering, their parents were happy. This is an altogether different atmosphere. I doubt they will need to wave to anybody.

Totally different scenario to me. Maybe it is a suggested that they will actually be walking with one or both of their parents and the order of service makes it appear more formal than it will be but waving at crowds at the Jubilee and sitting with their family etc is very different to formally marching, isolated.

I totally think they should be there, I epuldnt think it odd if Louis were there as well. I'm all for kids at funerals. I'm not for making them enter like adults.

Yesterday there was concern for 14 year old Viscount Severn doing it. Seems a little odd not to extend the same concern to a 7 and 9 year old.

Order of service has been released and details the procession.

And did you make them walk in to the church in a formal procession behind you and unable to hold your hand or take any comfort from you while you couldn't even see how they were holding up?

why are you assuming this is what will happen?

I wonder if the Phillips girls and Zara’s eldest will also attend.

Yesterday there was concern for 14 year old Viscount Severn doing it. Seems a little odd not to extend the same concern to a 7 and 9 year old.

I felt a bit sorry for him if I'm honest as the only child up there. But at 14 he would have definitely had a say I suppose. Sophie looked terribly worried the whole time.