Prince William says 'life without grannie' is unreal in touching tribute to Queen
LONDON, UK: William, Prince of Wales, 40, released a statement on Saturday, September 10, in remembrance of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. In the statement, he remarked upon how the world had lost an “extraordinary leader" and said that while he knew the day would come when his "Grannie" would be no more, it would still take 'some time' for the reality to sink in.
Prince William promised to honor the memory of Queen Elizabeth II by supporting his father, King Charles III, "in every way". Now that his father is King, William is the heir apparent to the throne.
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William said in the statement, "She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life."
The Prince of Wales tweeted, "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,” he added. “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." He thanked the Queen for the kindness she showed to his family. "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 honor her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can,” he concluded.
The Queen, the longest reigning monarch in British history, died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday at her Scottish estate in Balmoral.
William's new title indicates that he is following in his father Charles' footsteps, while Kate has become the first person since Diana, Princess of Wales to use the title.