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 speech by The Queen Consort at the University of Aberdeen
Ladies and Gentlemen, you have a great past: 5 Nobel Laureates and 525 years of academic excellence. Your future, I know, will be greater still and, as your very proud...
The King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) will take place on 17 June 2023
The Queen Consort's message to mark 80 years of BFBS
You have done a huge amount to foster a true and profound sense of community amongst all those connected with the military family.
A message of condolence from The King following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009.
The King's Christmas Broadcast 2022
Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones. We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each...
A statement from Buckingham Palace and Ngozi Fulani, Founder of Sistah Space
A speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Wrexham
As you celebrate your new-found status for this very special part of the world, nothing could give me greater pleasure than to say llongyfarchiadau and to wish you every...
A speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Wrexham
Boneddigion a boneddigesau, Mr Mayor, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Ladies and Gentlemen, My wife and I are absolutely delighted to be with you in Wrexham today to...
A speech by The Queen Consort at a ‘Violence Against Women and Girls’ Reception at Buckingham Palace
We are uniting today to confront, rightly, what has rightly been called a global pandemic of violence against women. Faced with such challenges, it can be hard to know what...
The Prince and Princess of Wales visit Boston for the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards
28 November 2022Explore the Royal Archives
A message of condolence from The King to the President of Indonesia following the earthquake in Cianjur
I particularly wanted to send my most heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all those who have been affected.
A message from The King to the Governor of New South Wales regarding the ongoing flooding
I would be most grateful if you would pass on my thanks and admiration to those who have once again come to the rescue and to those already providing invaluable assistance in...
A speech by The King at the State Banquet of the State Visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa
South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life... It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first State Visit...