For George, Charlotte, and Louis, Prince William is attempting to “keep things as normal as possible.”

In an interview with well-wishers at Windsor Castle, the new Prince of Wales discussed how his family is coping with the death of Queen Elizabeth.

 

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Kate Middleton are making every effort to help their mourning children.

 

The new Prince of Wales spoke candidly about his family, including their three kids, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, to one well-wisher in the crowd during their lengthy 40-minute walkabout outside Windsor Castle on Saturday. Elaine Gee, a 58-year-old Wokingham teacher, discussed with William the challenges of conveying the Queen’s passing to her elementary school students.

 

In an interview with PEOPLE, Gee said, “I told him how I work at a school and how it’s been an odd year celebrating the Jubilee and now it’s all shifted and we are talking about this. He mentioned George, Charlotte, and Louis, noting that they were attempting to maintain some continuity and normality for them at school.

 

Gee, a Wokingham resident travelling to Windsor with her 62-year-old husband Rob, complimented Kate on her and Rob’s professionalism during their difficult time.

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She says, “Catherine congratulated me and remarked that the whole country felt it.” “They were both very kind and gentle and genuine. It was very special — definitely a moment I will always treasure.”

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who reside in California, joined Prince William and Kate, both 40, on the expedition after William extended an invitation to them in a rare display of harmony following months of conflict between the two spouses.

 

The two spouses, who were both dressed in black, spoke to hundreds of mourners outside the iconic castle while they paid their respects to the late Queen, who passed away peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on Thursday. Many of the mourners left flowers and heartfelt condolence cards.

 

Meghan, 41, and Harry, 37, who came independently of Kate and William but left in the same vehicle with William driving, walked on one side of the throng while Kate and William primarily worked the other side, leaving little time for engagement.

 

One spectator expressed his astonishment and joy upon meeting Meghan. She shook my hand and complimented us for coming to support the family, Sanj Chowdhri, 46, of Windsor said. His wife, Minal Chowdhri, 43, said: “We didn’t anticipate this; it’s been strange!”

 

It was nice to hear them chit-chatting with everyone, said Debbie Fowler, 47, who was there with her husband Robert Fowler, 56. Even Kate was summoned by William to pet a nearby dog.

 

She gushes, “It was great, they were very friendly.” They were talking about people’s dogs, and Will called Kate over to pet one that was close to us. They are in sorrow, yet they were still so kind to everyone. Someone gave William a pot plant, and he said he was going to plant it.

 

Kate was delighted to receive a bouquet of flowers from another couple, Cheryl Young, 38, and Stephen Young, 43, who had travelled from Preston with their 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor.

 

The experience was intense, according to Cheryl: “I’m practically shivering from the overwhelming atmosphere. Kate commented how lovely it was to see all the notes.”

 

The four royals graciously took the gifts and expressed their gratitude to everyone. Kate nodded in agreement as a well-wisher said it was almost as if the Queen had been the country’s grandma.

 

It’s wonderful to witness the outpouring of love from people of all ages here today, Kate said. “Yes, I know she will be missed by so many,” she added. It is quite moving to witness.

 

The event was the first appearance for Kate in her new role as the Princess of Wales, a title she inherited when King Charles formerly announced during his first speech to the nation on Friday that William would now become The Prince of Wales.

 

The title is traditionally bestowed to the heir apparent rather than being immediately inherited, unlike that of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and their other titles.