A Statement from The Prince of Wales
Published
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Related content
A message from The King to the people of Glasgow celebrating the city’s 850th anniversary.
It goes without saying that people really do make Glasgow. As one of the most diverse cities in Scotland and beyond, it is entirely fitting that the celebrations to mark this...
The King will attend commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in Poland
A message of condolence from The King following the South Korean plane crash
My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life. As the people of the Republic of Korea...
A message of condolence from The King to The President of Germany, following the recent attack in Magdeburg
We stand in solidarity with you, and our hearts and special prayers are with all our friends in Germany at this desperately difficult time.
A message of condolence from The King to the people of Vanuatu, following the recent earthquake.
I am aware, from my visit to Vanuatu and Port Vila in 2018, of the extraordinary spirit of ni-Vanuatu, which has been called upon too often in recent years with repeated...
The King's speech at the Qatar State Banquet
The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar’s oldest friend in the Western world. We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time.
The Duchess of Edinburgh attends “The Women Who Beat ISIS” travelling photo exhibition
27 November 2024A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a reception for winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 at Buckingham Palace
Thanks to your talents, your readers are taken on amazing journeys with you across the Commonwealth, from Gambia to Grenada, from Bangladesh to Botswana, from Malta to...
The Queen is presented an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by The Princess Royal
21 November 2024A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings
Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to...
Explore Your Archive 2024
A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon
It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and...
The King visits the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone, Devon
15 November 2024King of Jordan and King of Bahrain appointed Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
A message from The King to King Felipe VI of Spain regarding the ongoing floods in Valencia.
Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.
His Majesty's remarks at the CHOGM dinner in Samoa
It remains a life-long aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth
His Majesty’s speech to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Samoa
Together, we can expand opportunities across this family of nations to build shared prosperity and truly resilient economies.
Her Majesty The Queen’s speech to the CHOGM Women’s Forum
Leaders from around the globe are willing to meet, as equals, and to have difficult, and constructive, conversations.
His Majesty’s remarks at the Community BBQ, Parramatta Park
It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav, or a Cab Sav and that is what I hope has been on display!
The King's speech to Parliament House, Canberra
In my many visits to Australia, I have witnessed the courage and hope that have guided the nation’s long and sometimes difficult journey towards reconciliation.
His Majesty The King’s remarks to NSW Parliament House
I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.
The Duchess of Edinburgh will read a bedtime story on CBeebies for World Sight Day
04 October 2024The King's speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament
We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland.