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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Sian Traynor

Prince William shares emotional tribute to Queen as he faces 'life without Grannie'

Prince William has shared an emotional statement as a tribute to his late grandmother, the Queen.

The new Prince of Wales shared a statement on the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Saturday afternoon, where he described his 'Grannie' as an 'extraordinary' person and leader.

Describing the role she played in both their family and as a monarch, William shared how his grandmother had offered guidance through his life, as well as giving him support on the 'saddest days' of his life.

READ MORE - Preparations begin in Edinburgh as barriers line street ahead of Queen's procession

Issuing a statement on behalf of himself and the Princess of Wales, William 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.

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"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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