By taking part in a symbolic watch over her mother’s casket on September 12 at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, Princess Anne created history. The solemn royal rite was performed for the first time by a woman, according to NBC royal expert and commentator Daisy McAndrew.
While mourners paid their respects in the historic cathedral, the children of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, kept vigil over their mother.
King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward joined the Royal Company of Archers for around ten minutes during the “Vigil of the Princes” to protect the casket symbolically.
The Vigil of the Princes has only occurred three times. The first time occurred in 1936, following the passing of King George V, the queen’s grandfather. The second occurred in 2002 during the burial procession for the Queen Mother.
King Charles can be seen standing close to the coffin’s head in photos taken Monday night while wearing a kilt. Prince Andrew wore a suit, while Princess Anne and Prince Edward were dressed in their respective uniforms.
According to Sky News, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and the Queen Consort Camilla stood to the side and observed the vigil. The source claimed that the Royal Standard of Scotland and a wreath of white spray roses, white freesias, white button chrysanthemums, and dried white heather from Balmoral were placed on the late queen’s coffin.
At several additional upcoming events honouring the late queen’s life, working members of the royal family are anticipated to wear their military uniforms. These events include the procession to Westminster Hall and service of prayer and reflection on Wednesday and the subsequent vigil, the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey on September 19, and the committal service at St. George’s Chapel Windsor following the funeral.
NBC News has learnt that Prince Andrew won’t likely don his military uniform until the last vigil in Westminster Hall because he is a non-working member of the royal family. Before he reached a settlement in a civil sexual abuse action in the United States in February, the Duke of York had his military titles revoked.
The royal homes will be shuttered until after the queen’s funeral, according to a statement released by King Charles on Friday. The royal mourning period will span seven days after the queen’s passing.
Charles will probably have an official coronation party in the upcoming year after being legally sworn in as king on September 10 during the country’s first televised ascension ceremony.
The original version of this article appeared on TODAY.com.