Prince William pays tribute to ‘Grannie’ who was by his side ‘during saddest day’
Prince William has spoken for the first time since the death of his grandma, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday (September 8).
He said: “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.
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The newly appointed Prince of Wales had yet to comment on the death of Her Majesty, but has now released a full statement.
In it, he refers to his grandma, who died aged 96, as “Grannie”.
He said: “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.
“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 20 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 husband of Kate Middleton – the new Princess of Wales – added: “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.
(Image: PA)
“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
Prince William has been visible throughout the last 48 hours, and took part in the accession ceremony earlier today (September 10) as a key member of the Privy Council.
Wife Kate, however, has not been seen – but this is due to her taking care of the couple’s three children during the mourning period.
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