LONDON – In his first public comments since the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry paid tribute to “Granny” in a statement Monday morning thanking her for her “helpful advice” and her “contagious smile.”
Writing largely as if speaking directly to the queen, Harry, 37, said he was grateful for the time spent with her, “from my earliest childhood memories with you, right through meeting you for the first time as my commander-in-chief, so that the first moment you meet my beloved wife and hug your beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
He continued: “I cherish the times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You have been missed so much, not only by us, but by the whole world. “
Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have had a strained relationship with the royal family, especially since they step back from royal duties in 2020. But Harry is said to remain close to the queen; the couple named their daughter Lilibet after her childhood nickname, paid her a surprise visit in April.
In what is widely considered an olive branch moment, Harry and Meghan did a rare common occurrence on Saturday with William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as the brothers and their wives greeted the crowd outside Windsor Palace.
Below is Harry’s full statement.
In commemoration of my grandmother’s life, the Queen – and to mourn her loss – we all remember the guiding compass she gave so many in her commitment to service and duty. mine. She is universally admired and respected. Her steadfast grace and dignity remained intact throughout her life and is now her eternal legacy. Let’s recall the words she said after Prince Philip’s death, words that can bring solace to all of us now: “Of course, life consists of final farewells as well. like first encounters.”
Ma’am, while this last parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all our first encounters – from my earliest childhood memories with you , to meeting her for the first time as my commander-in-chief, to the moment she first met me. wife loves and hugs your beloved great-grandchild. I cherish the times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You were greatly missed, not only by us, but by the whole world. And like our first encounters, we now honor my father in his new role as King Charles III.
Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile.
We also smile when we know that you and you are now reunited and together in peace.
