George and Charlotte just two kids saying farewell to 'Gan Gan'

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As millions across the globe watched the Queen's funeral, the eyes of the world were also on two young children.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte walked behind Her Majesty's coffin as it was carried into Westminster Abbey with their father Prince William, and mother Catherine, Princess of Wales.

The image of the great-grandchildren saying goodbye was always going to be reminiscent of another two children, caught firmly in the gaze of the world.

LIVE UPDATES: World stops to farewell Queen Elizabeth II

Princess Charlotte and Prince George are being prepared for a life of service.

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Just over 25 years ago Prince William and Prince Harry walked alongside their father Charles, then the Prince of Wales, trailing the coffin of Diana, who had died weeks earlier after a car crash in Paris.

Etched on the faces of the young princes was the sadness of losing their mother too soon.

'Much like how King Charles III has publicly grieved his mother while taking on a role he's waited his entire life to fulfil, there will be times when duty will come first for these children. But for now, with the eyes of the world on them, they are just two kids saying goodbye to their great-grandmother.'

Now they will guide the next generation through their grief, as they come to terms with their own.

Aged nine and seven, the siblings were the two youngest mourners at Westminster Abbey. Their brother Louis did not attend.

READ MORE: Brothers united in grief and memory but turmoil never far from sight

Just as their father Prince William had to publicly grieve his mother at a young age, his children will do the same for their great-grandmother.

Second and third in line for the throne after the Queen's death, for George and Charlotte this is an introduction into a world of expectation and service.

Their father, William, is surely best-placed to guide them after his own experience as a young man.

Much like how King Charles III has publicly grieved his mother while taking on a role he's waited his entire life to fulfil, there will be times when duty will come first for these children.

READ MORE: From black hats to brooches, funeral guests wear quiet tributes to the Queen

At Wellington Arch during what was already a difficult day, Charlotte cried as her mother comforted her.

Standing at Wellington Arch, Charlotte appeared overcome with emotion and cried as her mother comforted her.

Royal Commentator Dickie Arbiter described the day as "significant in their lives".

"Their parents would have said: 'We're burying Gan Gan tomorrow, would you like to come?', and they would have said 'Yes', absolutely no argument."

READ MORE: Why Prince Harry did not salute at Queen's funeral

But today, with the eyes of the world on them, they are still two children saying goodbye to their beloved "gan-gan".

"They are very sensible children, they are very switched on… They knew what this was all about."

But for now, with the eyes of the world on them, they are just two kids saying goodbye to their great-grandmother.

One of the most recognisable women on the planet, but who they called 'Gan Gan'.

Source: 9News