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Prince Harry has paid tribute to his "granny", Queen Elizabeth II, for her service, while reflecting on the memories they shared since his early childhood.
Key points:
- Prince Harry has thanked his grandmother for her service and sound advice
- It is the first time the Duke of Duchess of Sussex have been seen with the royal family since stepping down from their duties
- The Duke said they take comfort in knowing the Queen is now with Prince Philip
"In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen — and in mourning her loss — we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty," he said.
"She was globally admired and respected.
"Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy."
Harry said he would always cherish the memories he shared with his grandmother.
"Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: 'Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings'," he said.
"Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren."
Harry was visiting the UK from his home in Los Angeles when the Queen died.
He arrived at Balmoral to be with his family shortly after her death was announced.
The Duke, and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, joined Prince William and Kate to receive well-wishers from the public outside Windsor Castle on Saturday.
It was the first time the two couples have been seen together since Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties.
The Queen offered the most public support of any member of the royal family for her grandson and his wife when they made the decision to move the the United States and take a step back in 2020.
"Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family," she said at the time.
The Queen's famous sense of humour came to the fore in a skit with her grandson ahead of the Invictus Games in 2016 and has shared many jovial moments with him during public appearances throughout the years.
"I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between," he said.
"You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over."
"And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour 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, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace."
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