Prince William Just Shared an Emotional Tribute to His ‘Grannie’ Queen Elizabeth

Prince William just posted a deeply personal message about his “Grannie,” Queen Elizabeth II, following her death on September 8.

“So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign. I, however, have lost a grandmother,” the Prince of Wales shared in an Instagram tribute on September 10. “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.”

The prince also reflected on the queen’s impact on Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, as well as her unwavering presence in the lives of his three children. “My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three kids have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives,” he wrote. “She was by my side at my happiest moments, and she was by my side during the saddest days of my life.”

The prince continued, “My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary queen.”

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Read Prince William’s full statement, below:

“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.

My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three kids 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.

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 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.”