King Charles's Goddaughter India Hicks Shares the "Extraordinary" Detail She'll "Never Forget" About Queen Elizabeth's Funeral
Our take
The recent recounting of India Hicks' experience at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and the singular detail she’ll “never forget,” offers a subtle but resonant glimpse into a world many of us only encounter through filtered media. Hicks, raised within the orbit of the Royal Family as King Charles’s goddaughter and the daughter of a lady-in-waiting, provides a perspective unavailable to most. Her story, while seemingly small – the quiet dignity of the Queen’s corgis accompanying her coffin – speaks to a larger narrative about tradition, loss, and the enduring power of seemingly minor gestures. It’s a reminder that even within the grand theatre of royalty, it's the quiet moments, the unspoken connections, that often hold the most profound emotional weight. This echoes the sentiments explored in our recent piece, [60 Awesome, Cheap Things That Make You Look Way Bougier], which highlights the subtle ways we can cultivate an air of quiet sophistication and understated elegance – a principle very much in alignment with the late Queen’s own style. It’s about finding grace in simplicity, a concept resonating deeply with the current cultural shift away from overt displays of wealth.
Hicks’ perspective is particularly valuable because it comes from someone who isn't actively participating in the Royal Family’s ongoing evolution. She's an observer, a witness to decades of tradition, and her ability to articulate a singular, affecting memory underscores the human element often obscured by the pomp and circumstance. The image of the corgis, those steadfast companions, following the procession, is a potent symbol of loyalty and enduring affection, a visual representation of the Queen’s deep connection to her home and her animals. It’s a scene that transcends political or institutional significance, tapping into a universal understanding of grief and the comfort found in familiar presences. This resonates with the thoughtful approach to personal narratives we champion, like in our exploration of how Princess Diana started her days with a surprising, quick meal before working out, as detailed in [Former Royal Chef Says it “Sounds Crazy,” But Princess Diana Used to Eat One Surprising Meal Before Working Out]. Both stories offer intimate windows into the lives of remarkable women, demonstrating that even those seemingly untouchable figures experience everyday routines and emotional complexities.
The broader significance of Hicks' remembrance lies in its contribution to the ongoing narrative surrounding the monarchy. Following the Queen’s passing and King Charles's ascension, there's a palpable curiosity surrounding the future of the institution and its ability to adapt to contemporary values. Hicks’ account, devoid of sensationalism or political commentary, offers a gentle affirmation of the monarchy's historical weight and the profound sense of continuity it represents. It's a reminder that while the institution may evolve, certain traditions and values remain deeply ingrained in the British psyche. Furthermore, the focus on a seemingly small detail underscores the power of quiet observation and the importance of finding meaning in the everyday. It's a sensibility that aligns with our editorial focus on curated aesthetics and intentional living, as exemplified in our recent article, [I Haven't Booked a Gel Mani in Over a Year Thanks to These Tinted Nail Hardeners], which champions a less-is-more approach to personal care and style.
Ultimately, India Hicks’ remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the Queen’s enduring legacy and the subtle power of shared experience. As the monarchy navigates a new era, it will be crucial to balance tradition with a willingness to embrace change, ensuring that the institution remains relevant and resonant with a diverse and evolving population. Will future generations of royal observers be able to identify such seemingly small, yet profoundly meaningful, moments in the unfolding story of the monarchy? And, perhaps more importantly, will we, as a culture, continue to value these quiet reflections in a world increasingly dominated by noise and spectacle?
Although she’s not a member of the Royal Family, India Hicks has grown up in royal circles her entire life as a goddaughter of King Charles and the daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks, one of Queen Elizabeth’s ladies-in-waiting. India, who lost her mother in June, recently sat down with the Telegraph to discuss her new book, but she also revealed some of her touching memories of royal events.
“I do feel we are saying goodbye to an amazing generation,” Hicks said of her mother and the late Queen. “They lived through a war and were so much tougher than us and much less spoilt. There’s so much to admire in them.”
Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, Hicks said one thing that stands out the most is how the public’s floral tributes were included in the event. “As my mother and I descended the coach that took us from the Westminster Abbey service to Windsor, we were both hit by the most extraordinary smell of the floral tributes,” she told the publication. “It’s something I will never forget.”
Bouquets left to honor the late Queen were moved to line the Long Walk in Windsor as her casket traveled by car along the route to Windsor Castle, and Hicks noted, “It was such a wonderful touch that the flowers sent by her people were moved so they were there at the centre of everything.”
Another royal memory the author shared was a souvenir she received from King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2005 wedding. “It was just this little memento that was incredibly moving,” she said, explaining she received a slice of wedding cake in a beautifully designed tin.
On the topic of design, Hicks—who served as a bridesmaid at Princess Diana and Prince Charles's wedding—is launching her latest book, India Hicks: Entertaining, With a Side of Chaos, this September. Focused on hosting in a busy world, the title aims to be less “perfection-oriented” than her last entertaining book, released seven years ago.
India says that “in the intervening years” since her last book, “life has got more chaotic and frantic—for me and everyone else, I think—and I’ve realised that with entertaining, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I want people to look at this and breathe a sigh of relief and realise this is manageable.”
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