Prince Harry on Queen Elizabeth’s death: ‘You and grandpa are reunited now’

Whatever his relationship with The Firm, at the end of the day, Prince Harry truly loved his grandmother. Reading his official statement on Queen Elizabeth’s death, published to his and Meghan Markle’s Archewell website on September 12, makes it clear that their relationship remained close right until the very end. 

Read the statement below: 

“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.”

The queen, or “granny” as her grandchildren called her, was said to be a doting grandmother to her many descendants, and always “adored” Harry, according to a royal insider speaking to People. And the Duke of Sussex felt the same. After deciding to officially step down from royal duties and move to California with Meghan, a royal insider told Us Weekly that Prince Harry felt “terrible about hurting his grandmother, whom he adores.” The insider also assured the mag that “the last thing” the queen wanted was for Harry to feel estranged from his family.