Grandson's vigil tribute to beloved Queen Mother

The Queen Mother’s four grandsons tonight mounted a candlelit vigil over her coffin in Westminster Hall.

The Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex and Lord Linley stood with their heads bowed at the four corners of the purple catafalque bearing the Royal elder’s coffin.

It mirrored the gesture performed in 1936 when the new King and his three brothers stood guard over their father’s body on the same spot.

Charles and Andrew wore full Naval uniform, with Edward and Lord Linley in black morning coats. If the scene could be described as moving, the four men certainly were not.

Each could have passed as a waxwork statue, and it was impossible to even detect them breathing.

Their vigil came on the eve of their grandmother’s funeral at Westminster Abbey and took place as hordes of wellwishers from the public continued to stream silently through the 11th Century hall.

Camilla Parker Bowles was among them, while Prince William, Prince Harry, the Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, her husband Commodore Tim Laurence and her son, Peter Phillips, watched from a VIP dais at the side of the hall.