- Alex Benley
- BBC News
11 September 2022, 09:43 GMT
Prince William paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, saying “the world has lost an exceptional leader”.
The new Prince of Wales said: “She was by my side in the happiest of times. She was by my side in the saddest days of my life.”
He added that he would “honor” his grandmother’s memory “by supporting the king’s parents, in any way possible.”
Prince William became first in line to the throne after his father’s inauguration as king.
Prince William issued a statement saying: “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, who was absolutely committed to the country and the Commonwealth. Much will be said in the coming days about the meaning of her historic reign. As for me, I lost Jeddah.”
He added, “She was by my side in my happiest time. She was by my side in the saddest days of my life.” I knew her day would come, but “it will be some time before I really feel the reality of life without my grandmother.”
He added that while he was “grieved” at the loss of the Queen, he was also “extremely grateful” for having “benefited from the Queen’s wisdom and encouragement” throughout his life.
The 40-year-old Prince of Wales said: “My three children used to spend their holidays with her, creating memories that will last their lives.”
He added, “My grandmother had a famous saying, ‘Sorrow is the price we pay for love. All the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be a testament to the love we have for our exceptional queen.'”
Moments after Prince William’s statement was released, it was announced that the Queen’s funeral would take place on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey.
On Thursday, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, had passed away in peace surrounded by her family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
On Saturday morning, King Charles III was officially enthroned in a state ceremony at St James’s Palace in London.
Prince William was the first to sign the declaration. He quietly advanced to hold the pen in his left hand and left his signature in the historical record.
King Charles III announced that Prince William and his wife, Catherine, had been granted the title of Prince and Princess of Wales.