Devastated Joe Biden breaks down as son Beau’s casket lie in honor

Washington

 Joe Biden struggled to control his emotions on Thursday as he lead his family behind the coffin of his eldest son, Beau Biden, who passed away this weekend after losing a battle with cancer.

The Vice President leaned over to comfort his grandchildren and his son’s widow, Hallie. The VP's distraught wife, Dr Jill Biden, clung to her granddaughter Natalie, 11, while Biden took nine-year-old grandson Hunter's hand as the family followed Beau's casket into the Delaware state Capitol where his body would lie in honor.

Joseph 'Beau' Biden III, the former Delaware Attorney General and an Iraq war veteran, died of brain cancer on Saturday at the age of 46.

 Beau Biden was laid in honor in the Legislative Hall following a processional from Wilmington to Dover, Delaware.

His flag-draped casket was placed in front of a Senate dais draped with black bunting and decorated with white flowers.

The casket was flanked by a black-and-white photo of Biden with his wife and children and a Conspicuous Service Cross presented to him posthumously on Thursday for his service in the Delaware National Guard, which saw his serve in Iraq.

Delaware residents filed past the coffin, shrouded in the American flag, to pay their last respects to Beau.

The Biden family, led by Joe Biden, stood in a receiving line, warmly greeting well-wishers with hugs and handshakes, punctuated by both smiles and tears, as recorded harp music played softly in the background.

The Vice President at one point lowered his head, covering his face with his hand and appeared to weep.