The Queen's eight grandchildren hold vigil around her coffin

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By stefan armitage

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All eight of the late Queen Elizabeth II's grandchildren have observed their vigil around their grandmother's coffin.

The traditional ceremony comes as the late monarch - who died at the age of 96 at Balmoral on September 8 - is currently lying in state in Westminister Hall in London.

The new Prince of Wales, William, and Prince Harry arrived dressed in their military Blues and Royals No 1 uniforms. Per BBC News, the Duke of Sussex was requested to wear his military uniform by his father, King Charles III - much like the Duke of York was permitted at yesterday's vigil, held by the late Queen's four children.

They were joined by their cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, and Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

The latter six all wore black attire to the vigil.

Peter Phillips is the eldest of the late Queen's grandchildren at 44 years old, with James, Viscount Severn being the youngest at just 14. The teenager has already amassed huge praise on social media for his actions this evening.

The historic moment is the very first time in British history that a monarch’s grandchildren have performed what is traditionally known as the Vigil of the Princes.

The first time the tradition took place was back in 1936 following the death of George V. His four sons – King Edward VIII, Prince Albert (the future King George VI and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s father), and Princes Henry and George – stood around their late father’s coffin, once again inside Westminster Hall.

BBC News reports that Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex - the parents of Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn - are watching on from the viewing platform in Westminister Hall.

Their parents - King Charles III, Princess Anne, and Princes Edward and Andrew have held two vigils around the late Queen's coffin, the most recent being on Friday evening (September 16). During that ceremony, Queen Consort, Camilla, the Countess of Wessex and Michael of Kent all watched on from the gallery.

Both vigils at Westminister Hall lasted for around 15 minutes.

The touching moment also comes shortly after Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie - daughters of the Duke of York Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York - issued an emotional statement to their late grandmother, in which they said: "You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever."

They ended their written tribute by saying: "We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service."

Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state at Westminster Hall until her funeral on Monday, September 19. Members of the public will be permitted to see her coffin up until Monday morning.

Featured image credit: PA Images /Alamy