Prince Willian has issued a moving tribute to his grandmother the Queen who supported him on the “saddest days” of his life. The Prince of Wales fondly recalled how the Monarch spent holidays with his three children in recent years, leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.
Her Majesty passed away peacefully at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on Thursday, September 8, ending her 70 year reign. Her son, King Charles, was this morning officially declared Head of State at a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace in London.
He confirmed that the day of the Queen’s funeral will be a public holiday across the country on Monday September 19. Prince William has now released his first statement since the Queen’s passing on behalf of him and his wife Kate, the Princess of Wales.
He said: “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.
“My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. She was by my side at my happiest moments.
“And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.
“I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.
“My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.
“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
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