PRINCE Harry has paid tribute to his grandmother the Queen, saying he cherishes the special times she met his "darling" wife Meghan and hugged his kids.
The US-based Duke of Sussex, who on Saturday spoke to mourners outside Windsor Castle, described the late monarch as his "guiding compass".
In a statement, he said: "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 cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between.
"You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over."
He thanked his granny for three things in particular in the touching statement.
He said: "Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile."
And in a poignant final line referencing the late Duke of Edinburgh, he said: “We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
It comes as…
- William & Harry could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin at her funeral
- Princess Anne curtsied to her beloved mum as Her Majesty's coffin left Balmoral for the final time
- Thousands left flowers outside royal residences across the country
- King Charles III was proclaimed as King across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- King Charles' relentless schedule was revealed – where he always skips one meal a day
- Details of The Queen's sombre final journey back to London emerged
- A new Bank Holiday to mark The Queen's funeral on September 19 was established
He also referenced his father, with whom his relationship is said to have been strained, saying: “And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.”
It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Saturday travelled in the same car as William and Kate in a show of unity after years of speculated rifts.
The foursome appeared to put their differences aside to greet huge crowds on the Berkshire estate as they collectively grieved the Queen, who died at Balmoral aged 96 on September 8.
Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.
It was William, now the Prince of Wales, who invited Harry and Meghan to join him to look at tributes, his spokesperson confirmed.
And the two brothers seemed united in grief, despite their relationship reportedly being at "rock bottom".
It comes as The Sun revealed William and Harry could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin in plans to be discussed in coming days.
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They were separated by cousin Peter Phillips as they followed Prince Philip’s cortege at his funeral 17 months ago, during the height of their feud.
Palace planners are still putting finishing touches on arrangements for two royal family processions behind the Queen’s coffin in London.
However, The Sun understands there will be discussions about whether the brothers could again be seen at each other’s sides.
The once-close siblings are said to have fallen out following the Sussexs' departure from the Firm and move to California.
And their apparent feud worsened after Harry and Meghan gave several high-profile interviews about life as a member of the Royal Family.
The Queen passed away "peacefully" at Balmoral on Thursday.
STATEMENT IN FULL
“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 globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.
“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.’
“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 cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.
“Thank you for your commitment to service. 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.”
William and Harry, along with several other senior royals, rushed to be by her side after doctors said they were “concerned” for her health.
But sadly neither brother made it in time to say goodbye, it is understood.
Meghan stayed behind in London, while Kate remained in Windsor to look after children George, Charlotte and Louis.
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