Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry in 2019
Prince Harry has released a statement remembering his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
In the official statement shared on the Archewell Foundation website, The Duke of Sussex, 37, said, “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.’ “
Harry said his memories with his “Granny” ranged from his own childhood to when the Queen met his own children, 3-year-old Archie Harrison and 1-year-old Lilibet Diana, who was named after the monarch’s nickname.
RELATED: Prince Harry Says Windsor Castle Is a ‘Lonely Place’ Without Queen Elizabeth
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Prince Harry, Prince William and Queen Elizabeth
“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,” he continued. “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,” he concluded. “We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
The monarch’s death came shortly after her husband’s, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99 in April of 2021. They were married for 73 years.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotland following the public announcement of the Queen’s death there on Thursday. He joined other members of the royal family at the royal residence, including father King Charles III and brother Prince William.
Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, 41, were scheduled to attend the WellChild Awards in London on Thursday before hearing the news of the Queen’s health. They traveled from their California home to Europe earlier in the week for a series of visits with their longstanding charitable organizations.
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The Print Collector/Getty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the day of the monarch’s coronation in 1953
Upon Her Royal Highness’ death, King Charles III immediately became monarch. The 73-year-old King mourned the loss of The Queen, saying, “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.”
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Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On Saturday, Prince Harry and Meghan joined Prince William and Kate Middleton — the new Prince and Princess of Wales — at Windsor Castle to view flowers and other tributes to Queen Elizabeth left by members of the public. They also greeted well-wishers who were lined up outside the royal residence.
Kensington Palace says Prince William invited the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and Kate.
Prince William thought the walkabout to greet the crowds “was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family,” a royal source tells PEOPLE.
