The Prince of Wales has released a statement honouring his late grandmother, paying tribute to her legacy while also recognising his personal loss as a grandson.
“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,” William’s message began.
Of his personal connection with the late Elizabeth II, William recalled how “incredibly grateful” he feels to have “had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade” and how she was “by my side at my happiest moments…[and] during the saddest days of my life.”
He added that his wife, Catherine, the new Princess of Wales, has “had twenty years of her guidance and support” and that his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, “have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”
The Prince of Wales also wrote about his grandmother’s legacy and how her duty and service have been a touchstone for his generation. “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 a testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen,” William wrote.
And now that he is first in line to the throne, Prince of Wales, and perhaps the chief supporter of his father, King Charles III, William used his message to vow to honour his late grandmother by supporting his father.
“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can,” the message concluded.
