CELEBRATED BY THOSE HE LOVED AND INSPIRED THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH THE QUEEN IS JOINED BY GUESTS INCLUDING FAMILY AND EUROPEAN ROYALS AT THANKSGIVING SERVICE

It was every bit the fitting tribute he had planned for in the years leading up to his death last year, aged 99.

Eleven months after the Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest in a stripped-back ceremony attended by just 30 family members due to Covid restrictions, the royal families of Europe gathered to remember him at Westminster Abbey last week.

And four generations of his loved ones were led by his widow, the Queen, who bade a final farewell to her beloved husband of 73 years.

The royal arrivals began with some of the youngest members of the family coming to pay tribute to their great-grandfather, alongside their parents.

Fresh from their eight-day visit to the Caribbean, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince George, eight, and Princess Charlotte, six, who were making a rare appearance at a major royal event.

‘It was a beautiful service. I think he would have been pleased, wherever he is’

With Kate in a black and white polka-dot dress by Alessandra Rich and wide-brimmed hat by Lock & Co, George looked a mini-me of his dad in a smart navy suit and tie while his sister wore a navy coat, patent leather shoes and a blue ribbon in her braided hair.

At first, the youngsters looked apprehensive but Kate soon calmed Charlotte’s nerves, whispering: “You can smile,”