PRINCE Harry has paid an emotional tribute to his grandmother the Queen praising her as his "guiding compass".
In a heartfelt statement, the Duke of Sussex said he cherishes the special times The Queen met his "darling" wife Meghan and hugged his kids.
Harry who alongside Meghan joined William and Kate in speaking to mourners outside Windsor Castle on Saturday, also included a line referencing his grandfather the late Duke of Edinburgh.
And he also referenced his father, with whom his relationship is said to have been strained in the touching tribute saying: “And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.”
Read his tribute in full here:
"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.
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"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.
It comes as…
- William & Harry could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin at her funeral
- Princess Anne curtsied to her beloved mum as Her Majesty's coffin left Balmoral for the final time
- Thousands left flowers outside royal residences across the country
- King Charles III was proclaimed as King across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- King Charles' relentless schedule was revealed – where he always skips one meal a day
- Details of The Queen's sombre final journey back to London emerged
- A new Bank Holiday to mark The Queen's funeral on September 19 was established
"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.
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"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."
It comes as Harry appears to have reconciled with his family as he was seen viewing the sea of tributes left to Her Majesty with his brother Prince William.
As the two brothers seemed united in grief, The Sun revealed they could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin in plans to be discussed in the coming days.
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