Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughters Beatrice and Eugenie have paid an emotional tribute to the late monarch, calling her 'our dearest Grannie'. Prince Andrew's daughters issued an statement ahead of the Queen's funeral on Monday (September 19).
They spoke warmly of their grandmother, and were frank about the "collective loss" which they have felt since her death at 96. They also say they thought that the Queen would "be here forever".
The statement reads: “Our dearest Grannie, we’ve not been able to put much into words since you left us all. There have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and a collective loss for you, our beloved Queen and our beloved Grannie.
“We, like many, thought you’d be here forever. And we all miss you terribly.
“You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.
“For now dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy.
"You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world. The world mourns you and the tributes would really make you smile.
"They are all too true of the remarkable leader you are.”
It went on to say they were happy to think of the Queen now with her late husband, Prince Phillip.
“We’re so happy you’re back with Grandpa. Goodbye dear Grannie, it has been the honour of our lives to have been your granddaughters and we’re so very proud of you.
“We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service. God save the King. With our love, Beatrice and Eugenie.”
