Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release statement paying tribute to the Queen
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released a statement following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty passed away aged 96 on 8 September, surrounded by family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Tributes have since poured in from the likes of her son, King Charles III, the public and now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have paid their respects.
The statement, uploaded onto their website Archewell, reads: "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.
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"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'."
Prince Harry then speaks directly to his late grandmother, saying: "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."
He concluded his statement by saying: "Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice.
"Thank you for your infectious smile," before concluding: "We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace."
The statement follows that of King Charles, who said of his late mother: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
"We mourn profoundly the loss of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved Mother.
"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
He went on to add: "During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
In the coming days, preparations will be made for the Queen's funeral - which will be held on 19 September - and King Charles' coronation.
Her Majesty's body is expected to 'lie-in-state' at St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh) before she is moved to Westminster Hall (London), where people can pay their respects.
The Queen was born on 21 April 1926 and ascended to the throne 70 years ago in 1952, following the death of her father King George IV.
She became the longest reigning monarch in British history, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip in 1947, and together they went on to welcome King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The couple’s grandchildren include Prince Harry, Prince William, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn.
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Topics: Royal Family, UK News, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, The Queen
Shola Lee