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THE Queen's youngest grandson was praised by viewers tonight as he stood guard of Her Majesty's coffin.

Those watching the spine-tingling vigil at Westminster Hall this evening praised James, Viscount Severn, for bravely standing alongside his cousins for the 15 minute period of reflection.

James, Viscount Severn, lowered his head in reflection today as he joined his cousins for a moving vigil this evening
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James, Viscount Severn, lowered his head in reflection today as he joined his cousins for a moving vigil this eveningCredit: Sky
Princes William and Harry pictured at their mother's funeral back in 1997
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Princes William and Harry pictured at their mother's funeral back in 1997Credit: Reuters

The stoic 14-year-old lowered his head as emotional mourners filed past to see his grandmother lying in state.

Viewers said the teen was "admirable" for standing vigil at such a young age.


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And many believed the poignant moment echoed images of Princes William and Harry stood at Princess Diana's funeral back in 1997.

One viewer wrote on Twitter: "Can’t help but notice that Prince Edward’s 14-year-old son James bears a very eerie resemblance to Prince William during Princess Diana’s funeral."

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Another said: "The Queen's youngest grandson, James, Viscount Severn, reminds me of Harry when Diana died."

Someone else commented: "Young James Viscount Severn looks so much like Prince William when he was of a similar age and having to go through so much pain publicly, such a brave young man."

A fourth wrote: "Bless all the royal grandchildren for that vigil.

"Especially the Wessex children: so young and not much in the spotlight, hope someone gave them a hug after.

"Couldn't help thinking how much James Viscount Severn with his teen floppy hair looked like William at Diana's funeral."

James, who is the son of Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, joined his sister, Lady Louise Windsor, and his six cousins this evening.

He is just one year younger than William and two years older than Harry was when their mother died.

Princes William and Harry, then 12 and 15, stood side-by-side as they followed their mother's casket during her funeral.

Earlier this week, William fought back tears as he told how Wednesday's royal procession - which saw him and Harry march behind their grandmother's coffin in sombre reflection - brought painful memories from the day flooding back.

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Jane Wells, who spoke to the Prince of Wales as she lay flowers for the Queen in Sandringham, said: "He told us it had been particularly difficult and following the coffin had reminded him of his mother’s funeral, of Diana.

"He said it had been very difficult."

The image of James today echoed those taken at Princess Diana's funeral
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The image of James today echoed those taken at Princess Diana's funeralCredit: AP:Associated Press
He joined his brother Prince William, stood above at the head of the Queen's coffin, and his six cousins for the moving vigil
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He joined his brother Prince William, stood above at the head of the Queen's coffin, and his six cousins for the moving vigil
The Queen's grandchildren walked in step to their positions around the coffin before a 15-minute period of reflection
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The Queen's grandchildren walked in step to their positions around the coffin before a 15-minute period of reflection
The royals were seen slowly entering the hall together
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The royals were seen slowly entering the hall togetherCredit: AFP