In a first official statement since the queenâs death, her grandson Prince Harry has hailed her as a âguiding compassâ and praised her âunwavering grace and dignity."
The personal statement, posted Monday on Harry and his wife Meghan Markle's Archwell website, said he cherished their times together and thanked her for her service, her advice and her "infectious" smile.Â
"In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queenâand in mourning her lossâwe are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty," Harry's message began. "She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: 'Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.'"
He continued, "Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetingsâfrom my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren," Harry, referencing Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibetâwho is named after the monarchâcontinued. "I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III."
Harry quit as a senior royal and moved to the U.S. two years ago. On Saturday, he and Meghan joined his brother Prince William and his wife Catherine in meeting mourners outside Windsor Castle.
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Their âwalkabout," the first time the brothers have appeared amicably together in public since March 2020, comes at a time when the younger generation of Britain's royal family must step up their responsibilities significantly.
While William and Harry had been on frosty terms over the last two years, their show of unity Saturday was reportedly initiated by William and left some observers hoping that Harry, 37, might return to the fray and support his elder brother in sharing the heavy workload now on Williamâs shoulders.
