Two days after Australia received the news of Her Majesty The Queen’s death, her grandson and heir apparent Prince William, 40, has released a statement honouring the monarch’s life both professionally and personally.
The king-to-be began the acknowledgement by saying “the world lost an extraordinary leader” with an “absolute” to commitment to the people she governed.
But the new Prince of Wales quickly turned to reflect on his personal familial loss.
Prince William has released a statement in the wake of The Queen’s death.
(Image: Getty)“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,” the royal wrote.
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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.”
The Duke of Cornwall went on to honour the role Her Majesty played in his wife Catherine’s life, and the lives of his children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”
(Image: Getty)“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.”
The emotional tribute recalled how The Queen, or “Grannie” to William, remained a pillar for the duke throughout his key life experiences.
“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.”
“It will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
(Image: Getty)The 40-year-old ended his statement with a final display of gratitude for the longest-serving monarch.
“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.”
