In memoriam.Prince Harry reflected on great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II‘s “everlasting legacy” in his first official statement since her death.
“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen — and in mourning her loss — we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was admired and respected around the world. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy,” the 37-year-old wrote on Monday, September 12. “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.’”
Harry continued: “Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from 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. I treasure these moments and many more that we shared together. We already miss you deeply, not only in our lives, but all over the globe. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honor my father in his new role as King Charles III.”
Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry. Shutterstock; MEGATheMegaAgency.com
The Archewell cofounder hailed his late grandmother’s “commitment to service,” concluding, “Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the queen, who was placed under the care of her doctors hours earlier, died on Thursday, September 8. After her death was announced, Harry flew to London from Balmoral in Scotland to be with her loved ones. He and Meghan Markle later joined Prince WilliamAnd Princess KateSaturday, September 10th: Walkabout around Windsor to pay respects and greet mourners
The Duke of Sussex previously checked in with his grandmother “nonstop” after she was briefly hospitalized in October 2021, a source told Us WeeklyAt the time. After Harry and Meghan (41), made their royal exit permanent in Feb 2021, the duo maintained a close relationship.
“I’ve spoken more to my grandmother in the last year than I have done for many, many years,” the former military pilot said during a March 2021 CBS tell-all. “My grandmother and I have a really good relationship and understanding. She is someone I deeply respect. She’s my Colonel-in-chief, right? She always will be.”
Charles’ former butler Grant HarroldIn a documentary dated February 2020, it was noted that Harry reminded Elizabeth (at age 99) of her husband, Prince Philip.
“[He has] that wonderful, let’s say, the kind of glint in his eye,” Harrold explained at the time.
The monarch also had a sweet bond with Harry and Meghan’s son, Archie, 3. To celebrate the toddler’s birthday in May 2021, she sent him “presents and a card” and called him via Zoom, a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “Seeing her great-grandson’s face always brightens up her day!”
After his parents moved to Canada in January 2020 and then to America two months later, Elizabeth had to be away from her baby. “The queen has FaceTime calls with Archie, but it’s not the same,” another source told UseIn February 2021. “[She is] desperate to give Archie a huge hug.”
Elizabeth reunited with Harry in April 2021 when he returned to England for Philip’s funeral. During his visit, the two had reportedly had two private conversations.
Harry had a “very close relationship” with his late grandfather prior to his death, a third source exclusively told UseApril 2021. “Whilst they may not have been able to communicate during the final year or so of his life, Philip thought extremely fondly of his grandson and vice versa. … Harry feels guilty for not being there to say goodbye to Prince Philip in person.”
He wrote in a statement at the time: “My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm — and also because you never knew what he might say next. He will be remembered as the longest reigning Consort to the Monarch, a decorated Serviceman, a Prince and Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end.”
Two months later, the Sussexes had their baby girl and named her after the queen.
“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet,” a June 2021 statement from the couple read. “Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”
