Young Princes take heart from compassion of public mourners Colin Randal
Let us show the world we are united in grief
PRINCES William and Harry felt the sympathy of the nation yesterday as, in some of the most heart-rending moments in a week charged with emotion, they moved among mourners outside the home of their mother, Kensington Palace. Concern for the boy's feelings had been on millions of lips since their mother died last weekend.
This week, the Princes had been seen only through the window of the car taking them to Crathie Parish Church near Balmoral on Sunday morning, and inspecting flowers outside Balmoral Castle on Thursday.
Yesterday, with a maturity that profoundly affected many present or watching on television, they experienced and acknowledged the strength of public compassion.
The grief of Prince William, 15, and his brother, who will be 13 a week on Monday, was tangible as they accepted words of condolence and encouragement from some of the thousands of people whose presence and flowers have engulfed the Palace.
Both boys seemed at times close to tears, Prince Harry at one point pausing to wipe an eye.
But throughout their brief appearance with their father, they displayed dignity beyond their years, and a composure that was beyond a few of the tearful adults meeting them.
Over and over, as they spoke or listened to well-wishers, on occasion accepting their bouquets, the Princes offered their gratitude for the shared sense of loss.
"I told them their mother had gone to a good place," one woman said. Another patted Prince Harry warmly on the back. A third pressed flowers bearing the message "Princess Diana Forever" into Prince William's hands, and watched him place it alongside the others.
From other came words designed to lift the boys' spirits. "William came next to me and I told him we were sorry for him and that his mother would live on in him," said one.
"William said, 'Thank you very much for coming', but Harry was very quiet - he seemed in a a daze," said Kathy Watkins, 46, from Harefield, north-west London, who spoke to both Princes and their father.
"I think they were really touched to see all these people, young and old, in jeans or suits. I don't think they could quite take it all in.
"But all of them appeared to be very much in control."
The Princes had asked on their arrival in London from Balmoral to be taken to the palace that was, until the separation of their parents in 1992, their family home. Their request was granted, with care being taken to limit the media presence and manoeuvring barriers to prevent an excessive crush of mourners.
At Kensington, the boys were able to witness a symbolic part of the remarkable exhibition of common grief that has been so moving a feature of the week's events.
The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family had spent some time preparing the Princes for their public appearance. But all three, wearing suits and black ties, seemed taken aback by the sheer volume of floral tributes in front of the black and gold iron gates of the Palace.
Prince Charles pointedly drew his sons' attention to various parts of the display.
Unforced applause punctuated the subdued nature of the occasion as the family group passed through a side gate to inspect flowers attached to, and arranged against, the ornate fence.
Mourners cried out "God bless you" and "we love you". All three Princes appeared heartened by what they saw and heard, and repeatedly thanked people as they patiently shook outstretched hands.
Caroline Osterman, an American social worker from Boston, spoke for many spectators when she admitted her astonishment at the Princes' appearance.
"I was not expecting it at all," she said. "I shook hands with Prince Charles. He said to me, 'Thank you so much for coming'."
Liseby Hobson, 32, from Devizes, Wilts, said: "I told Prince William his mother was loved by the world and he looked at me and gave me an amazing smile.
"I feel really good that they know now that they have the support of the country."
Immediately before returning to the royal car, Prince Charles and the boys were given large white lilies, a symbol of death.
Princes William and Harry added theirs to the countless flowers already in place, but their father asked if he might take one bloom with him.
"I think it was very important that they were shown what the public felt for their mother and this will help them get over the grieving process," said Liseby Hobson as the royal party left. "This was an incredible gesture they made today."
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