The work continues. Prince William spoke out about a cause close to his heart two days after his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.
“Although it is the saddest of circumstances that means I cannot join you in person today, I am pleased to join you in video form as you gather in New York for the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit,” the Prince of Wales, 40, said via video on Wednesday, September 21, addressing the summit in New York City.
He continued: “During this time of grief, I take great comfort in your continued enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to the Earthshot Prize and what we are trying to achieve.”
Prince William. Steve Parsons/AP/Shutterstock
The Duke of Cambridge emphasized that “protecting the environment was a cause close to my grandmother’s heart” and said that Her Majesty “would have been delighted to hear about this event and the support you’re all giving our Earthshot finalists, the next generation of environmental pioneers.”
William was initially scheduled to deliver his address in person but canceled his appearance following the queen’s death at the age of 96 on September 8. The duke and the royal family were grieving, so he shared a statement via their joint Instagram account. Princess KateHonoring the late British monarch.
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” the statement read. “So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.”
Her Majesty’s memorial service on Monday, September 19, took place at Westminster Abbey. Afterward, her remains were taken to Wellington Arch and then to her final resting place — St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Processions took place in Edinburgh and London on September 12, and September 14, respectively, before the funeral and burial.
Although a somber occasion, Elizabeth’s funeral proceedings did provide an opportunity for William and his brother, Prince HarryTo put aside their differences after many years of ups & downs.
“The queen’s funeral gave the royals a window of opportunity to heal as a family,” a source exclusively told Us WeeklyMonday. The insider added that William and Harry “both agreed to put aside any hard feelings” as they mourned because “they know it’s what the queen would’ve wanted and are trying to move forward from the past.”
The princes’ father, King Charles III, immediately assumed his rightful place as sovereign upon Elizabeth’s passing. William is now first in line for the throne followed by his three children with the Princess of Wales — Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4. While George and Charlotte attended the queen’s funeral, Louis did not.
Ahead of the historic event, Kate told a crowd of well-wishers her youngest son’s sweet sentiments upon hearing of his great-grandmother’s death.
“[Louis said,] ‘At least Grannie is with Great-Grandpa [Prince Philip] now,’” the duchess recalled on September 10, referring to the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died at age 99 in April 2021.
Philip was laid into rest last spring without the presence of any of the children. On Monday, however, Charlotte broke down in tears as Her Majesty’s coffin was moved into a hearse following the memorial service.
