Kate Middleton

Buckingham Palace revealed on September 8, their first day of school, that their great-grandmother “peacefully” died at the age of 96 at her beloved Balmoral Castle in Scotland, after her physicians reported they were “concerned” about her health.

Prince William headed north to be with his family, while his mother, Kate, remained in Windsor to care for their children.

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The senior royals have already gone out for ceremonial activities leading up to the Queen’s state funeral on Monday, talking up about what that solemn day would be like in Sandringham.

“William said he thinks Monday will be hard,” Bex Neeve, 44, from the county of Norfolk, tells PEOPLE. “Kate said it’s been overwhelming and she and William are very grateful for everyone being here. She was emotional. They seemed like they were here to soak up all the love.”

Sharon Clouting, her mother, 64, adds, “You can tell William is his mother’s son. He was chatting so easily and very sincere.”

Sarah Tomlinson, 51, of neighbouring Kings Lynn, arrived with a friend and the friend’s kid.

“My friend’s baby was the first jubilee baby to be born in Kings Lynn and named after Prince Louis,” she tells. “William came over and said how dashing he is in his outfit.” The couple also “showed a genuine interest” in the kid, asking if he slept through the night.

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