The Prince of Wales Remembers His Grandmother Queen Elizabeth: Grief Is “the Price We Pay for Love”

Prince William honored Queen Elizabeth II in a touching tribute on Saturday, just a few days after Her Majesty’s death at age 96.

“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,” the newly named Prince of Wales said in a statement to his beloved grandmother. “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.”

Prince William continued, “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.”

On Thursday, September 8, Buckingham Palace confirmed the sad news of the Queen’s passing with a statement on behalf of the entire royal family. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” read the statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

The news came shortly after Buckingham Palace released a worrying announcement that doctors were “concerned” about the monarch’s declining health. In the full statement, the Palace said, “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable at Balmoral.”

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Immediate family members were informed and traveled to the Queen’s residence in Scotland. Prince Harry, who was in London with Meghan Markle for a charity event, canceled his plans and also headed to Balmoral following the news.

The Queen’s health had been a concern over the last year, especially in the lead-up to her Platinum Jubilee celebration in June. Just this week, she was forced to postpone her Privy Council meeting after doctors recommended she rest, only one day after appointing her 15th prime minister from Balmoral.

Queen Elizabeth—who recently celebrated a historic 70 years on the throne in February and again in June—is survived by her four children: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren—including Prince William and Prince Harry—and 12 great-grandchildren—including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Archie, and Lilibet, who was named after her great-grandmother.

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