Prince Harry released a personal statement on Monday following the death of his beloved “grandma”, Queen Elizabeth, who died at the age of 96.
“Although this final farewell brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first encounters – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to first meeting you as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my beloved wife and your beloved great-grandchildren hugged,” the Duke of Sussex said in the statement.
Harry added he cherished the moments he spent with Queen Elizabeth and said her loss was felt by the world, also noting his father’s new role as King Charles III.
“Thank you for your contagious smile,” he said. “We smile too, knowing that you and grandpa are now reunited, and both in peace together.”
Harry is one of the Queen’s eight grandchildren.
The late British monarch is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, including Harry and Meghan’s son Archie and daughter Lili, who is named after the Queen’s family nickname “Lilibet”.
The two children are now technically ‘prince’ and ‘princess’ following the Queen’s death, although it’s unclear if King Charles will change the protocols.
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry as they depart following the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston on May 18, 2019 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. (Photo: WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Harry and Meghan have both spoken of their very close relationship with the Queen, which has continued after the two stepped down as working members of the royal family and relocated to North America.
Meghan opened up about Harry’s love for the Queen during the couple’s first interview with BBC’s Mishal Husain after their engagement. She said it was “amazing” “to be able to meet her through his lens, not only with his honor and respect for her, but with the love and respect he has for her as his grandmother.”
“All those shifts were important to me,” Meghan said at the time.
Prince William, the new Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the throne, also released a statement on Saturdaymemory his beloved “grandma”.
While grieving the world’s loss of “an extraordinary leader,” the king said that “I have lost a grandmother, however.”
“She was by my side in my happiest moments. And she was by my side through the saddest days of my life,” he continued. “I knew that day would come, but it’s going to take some time before the reality of life without a grandma feels really real.”
Following the release of the Prince of Wales’ statement, William and Kate, the Princess of Wales had a surprise reunion with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 10 for flowers and tributes to Queen Elizabeth. (Photo: Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
The former “Fab Four”, all dressed in black, interacted with members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects. The royals also viewed floral arrangements left by well-wishers.
During the tour, the Princess of Wales got emotional and shared a story about her youngest son, Prince Louis, who said: “At least Gan-Gan is dating great-grandfather now.”
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
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