Sombre photo of Kate captures the heartbreak felt by the nation and echoes shot from Philip’s funeral

KATE Middleton cut a sombre figure as she was driven behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in London today.

The Princess of Wales, 40, captured the heartache of the nation in a photograph that was reminiscent of a similar 'historical' shot taken when she arrived at Prince Philip's funeral at St George's Chapel in Windsor on 17 April 2021.

On both solemn occasions, the visibly emotional mum-of-three could be seen wearing a netted hat and pearls as she sat in the back of a chauffeur-driven car.

But while a photograph from Prince Philip's funeral captured Kate looking out from a car window, she was today seen taking a poignant moment of reflection as she looked down, towards the floor.

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The Queen left Buckingham Palace for the last time today for her lying-in-state procession, with ceremonial viewing points set up along the route to allow the public to pay their respects.

Kate's car followed behind the Queen's coffin, which was adorned with a Royal Standard and the Imperial State Crown and pulled by a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

King Charles led the royal men by foot in the procession this afternoon through the streets of London.

He was joined by his sons the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex, as well as the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex.

Anne's son Peter Phillips and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence also walked in the procession, as well as the Duke of Gloucester and the Earl of Snowdon.

The Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge was joined by The Queen Consort, while the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Sussex travelled together in a separate car.

Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four full days before her funeral on Monday September 19.