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'Our beloved mama': Prince Edward says Queen's death 'left an unimaginable hole in all our lives' in touching message

'As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the Nation, her Realms and the Commonwealth,' said Prince Edward

BY SHIVAM BANIK

PUBLISHED SEP 17, 2022

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex light a candle in memory of Queen Elizabeth II in Manchester Cathedral on September 15, 2022 in Manchester, England (Peter Byrne - WPA Pool, WPA Pool/Getty Images)

LONDON, UK: Queen Elizabeth II is now lying in state in Westminster Hall, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, have paid a touching homage to the late monarch. In the message, Prince Edward, the monarch's youngest son, thanked Queen Elizabeth II for her many years of service.

Prince Edward said the death of the Queen last week had left a "unimaginable void in all our lives." In a statement published by Buckingham Palace, the late monarch's youngest son said, "As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the Nation, her Realms and the Commonwealth. While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell."

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Queen Elizabeth II (R) with Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex during her reception to celebrate the patronages & affiliations of the Earl and Countess of Wessex at Buckingham Palace on February 10, 2015 in London, England — Queen Elizabeth II (R) with Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward (Photo by Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

He added: "We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us. And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means. The Queen's passing has left an unimaginable hole in all our lives. Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much. Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us. May God bless Her Majesty and may her memory be long cherished even as the baton she has carried for these past 70 years now passes to the next generation, and to my brother, Charles. Long Live The King."

A general view of the Imperial State Crown as the coffin carrying Queen Elizabeth II rests in Westminster Hall for the Lying-in State on September 14, 2022 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II's coffin is taken in procession on a Gun Carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where she will lay in state until the early morning of her funeral. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. — A general view of the Imperial State Crown as the coffin carrying Queen Elizabeth II rests. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Thousands of mourners visited Manchester yesterday to pay their respects to the Queen, and Prince Edward and Countess Sophie were there to meet them, reported Daily Mail. The pair took part in the procession on Wednesday that carried the Queen's casket from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. At Westminster Hall earlier in the week, Edward and Sophie paid tribute to the monarch with their children, Lady Louse and Viscount Severn.