Ahead of Queen Elizabeth II‘s funeral, Prince WilliamAnd Princess KateThe monarch’s defense staff and service personnel were honored by the royal visit.
Both 40-year-olds paid a visit at the Army Training Center Pirbright in order to meet with troops from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The soldiers are currently rehearsing for the ceremony and have been sent to the U.K. as part of the state event.
After 70 years on the British throne Elizabeth died in September at her Balmoral Castle, Scotland. She was 96. Her eldest son, King Charles III, ascended the throne shortly after his mother’s passing.
Charles, now 73, also gave William his former title, Prince of Wales, and bestowed Kate with Princess of Wales.
In the days following Elizabeth’s death, William reflected on the legacy that his grandmother left behind. “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” he wrote. “So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.”
The Duke of Cornwall expressed gratitude for the bond Elizabeth formed with his family. “My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives,” William, who shares Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, with Kate added, noting that his wife had 20 years of the queen’s “guidance and support.”
He continued: “I, however, have lost a grandmother. While I will miss her, I am also deeply grateful. I have had the benefit of the queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. … She was by my side at my happiest moments and she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
William spoke out about his expectations for Monday’s funeral service during a visit to see the flower tributes for Queen Elizabeth. “William said he thinks Monday [the queen’s funeral] will be hard,” a well-wisher shared on Thursday, September 16 after the pair’s visit to Sandringham, England. “[Kate] said it’s been overwhelming and she and William are very grateful for everyone being here. She was emotional. They seemed like they were here to soak up all the love.”
Scroll below to see more photos of William and Kate’s outing: