William, who became heir to the throne after the ascension of his father King Charles, said the Queen had been “by my side in my happiest moments” and “in the saddest days of my life”. “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader whose commitment to country, kingdoms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” the prince said in a statement. “So much will be said in the coming days about the meaning of her historic reign. “I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will mourn her loss, I am also incredibly grateful. I had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and reassurance in my fifth decade.” Image: The Prince of Wales’ statement. Photo: Kensington Palace He also spoke of the Queen’s support and love for his wife and children over the past two decades. “My wife had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children got to spend a vacation with her and make memories that will last a lifetime. “She’s been there for me in my happiest moments. And she’s been there for me in the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it’s going to be a while before the reality of life without Grandma really feels real. “I thank her for the kindness she showed to my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for setting an example of service and dignity in public life that was of a different age, but always relevant to us all. “My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All the grief we feel in the coming weeks will be a testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary queen. I will honor her memory by supporting my father, the King, in every way I can. Bank holiday approved on the day of the Queen’s funeral – latest updates Prince William was among the privy councilors who met in London earlier on Saturday morning to declare King Charles III the new sovereign. The ceremony, which dates back to Saxon times, saw the King pay tribute to his ‘beloved’ mother and vow to follow her ‘inspiring’ example for ‘the rest of his life’. Earlier today, other members of the Queen’s family inspected floral tributes outside Balmoral, the royal family’s Scottish residence where she died. On Friday, King Charles III stopped to greet the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace as he arrived in London for the first time as a monarch. He shook hands with countless audience members. Tearful and overcome with emotion, people clapped and cheered the King during his 12-minute walk outside the palace gates, with many chanting “God bless you Charles” and “God save the King”.
