Holly Willoughby Takes Her Children to Buckingham Palace to Pay Tribute to the Late Queen on the Third Anniversary of Her Death

Holly Willoughby was spotted in a rare public family outing this week as she accompanied her children to Buckingham Palace to mark the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The much-loved television presenter, 44, known as the “sunshine queen” of British daytime TV, chose the moment to introduce her youngsters to a poignant act of remembrance for the late monarch.

A Quiet Tribute on a Historic Day

September 8, 2025, marked three years since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign of 70 years remains the longest in British history. While official commemorations were carried out by the royal family at Windsor and Sandringham, crowds of mourners and admirers also gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London, laying flowers and messages of respect.

Among them was Holly Willoughby, who was seen with her three children – Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, 10 – quietly joining those paying tribute. Dressed in a simple yet elegant navy dress and coat, Holly looked solemn but composed, holding Belle’s hand as they approached the palace gates. Her children carried small bouquets of white roses, which they placed alongside the hundreds of other floral tributes that had built up through the day.

Onlookers noted the presenter’s effort to keep the moment low-profile and respectful, choosing not to bring any television cameras or issue statements. “She was just there as a mum, guiding her children through a historic and very emotional remembrance,” one witness told the Daily Mail. “She reminded them to bow their heads and say a quiet thank you. It was a touching moment to see.”

Teaching the Next Generation

For Holly, who has often spoken about her belief in family values and instilling kindness in her children, the visit to Buckingham Palace seemed designed as a lesson in history and empathy. She reportedly explained to her children how the late Queen had dedicated her life to service, duty, and the nation.

“Today we remember a woman who showed us what strength and dignity look like,” Holly was overheard telling her daughter, Belle, as they lingered near the palace gates. “It’s important that you know her story.”

Observers said the children appeared to listen carefully and respectfully, with eldest son Harry even stopping to read some of the handwritten messages left by members of the public. One note read: “Three years gone, but never forgotten. Thank you, Ma’am, for everything.”

A National Outpouring of Emotion

The anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death has once again highlighted the immense affection in which she is held by millions across the country. Outside Buckingham Palace, as well as Windsor Castle and Sandringham, crowds gathered with flowers, flags, and personal notes.

At the heart of London, the atmosphere was reflective but united. Tourists mingled with long-time royal supporters, all pausing to reflect on the legacy of the late monarch. “I just felt like I had to be here today,” one mourner said. “She was the nation’s grandmother.”

Holly’s presence, alongside her children, was seen as symbolic of the way the Queen’s legacy continues to resonate with families across Britain.

From Sunshine Queen to Reflective Figure

Holly Willoughby’s career has been defined by warmth, relatability, and sunshine – traits that earned her the status of Britain’s most popular morning television host during her long tenure on This Morning. But in recent years, she has sought to cultivate a quieter, more reflective side to her public persona, balancing her glamorous career with personal growth and her dedication to motherhood.

The visit to Buckingham Palace echoed this shift. While once she might have attended in her capacity as a high-profile presenter, she now appeared more as a mother and citizen, teaching her children about respect, gratitude, and national history.

Fashion commentators also noted Holly’s understated outfit, praising her choice to wear muted tones rather than her trademark bright hues. “She wanted the focus to be on the moment, not on her,” said celebrity stylist Jules Samuel.

Royal Connections and Respect

Although Holly is not a royal insider, she has always expressed admiration for the monarchy. In interviews, she has spoken about watching the Queen’s Christmas messages with her family and reflecting on the values of duty and service.

During the Queen’s funeral in 2022, Holly attended the broadcast coverage alongside other ITV presenters, appearing visibly moved. “Like so many, I just couldn’t hold back tears,” she later admitted. “It felt like saying goodbye to a grandmother.”

Her decision to return to Buckingham Palace three years later with her children was widely praised online. Fans shared photos of Holly’s visit on social media, describing it as a “beautiful, humble tribute.” One tweet read: “Holly Willoughby teaching her kids to remember the Queen with respect is exactly why she’s loved by so many.”

A Moment That Resonated

As the family stepped back from the palace gates after laying their flowers, Holly paused briefly, placing a hand over her heart before guiding her children through the crowd. It was a small gesture, but one that carried weight for those watching.

“There wasn’t a dry eye,” said one mourner who witnessed the moment. “It was such a simple thing, but it showed the power of family and remembrance.”

Legacy and Reflection

The late Queen Elizabeth II remains a towering figure in British life, and tributes like those from Holly and her family underline how her influence continues to extend beyond politics and ceremony into the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.

For Holly Willoughby, the day seemed to represent not only a chance to pay respects but also to pass down lessons of gratitude, resilience, and duty to her children – values the Queen embodied during her seven decades on the throne.

As the Willoughby family melted back into the London crowd, the message was clear: remembrance is not only about history, but also about passing values to the next generation. In doing so, Holly once again showed why she has earned her place as one of Britain’s most relatable and admired public figures.