So why was the message held
back for an extra day? It is thought that the timing of this
tribute followed protocol and was held an extra day out of respect for the
anniversary of September 11th.
The message, written by Prince
Harry, read: “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.”
Prince Harry and Meghan were
visiting the UK at the same time the Queen passed away, and have confirmed that
they will be staying in the country until her funeral. The pair were reunited
with the Prince and Princess of Wales for an appearance in Windsor at the
weekend.
