Prince Harry Remembers his Grandmother the Queen’s ‘Infectious Smile’ During His Heartfelt Statement Just After Her Death
In the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there has been no shortage of comments from world leaders.
CELEB Magazine
In the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there has been no shortage of comments from world leaders. Fans and critics alike around the world have also added their voice to the cacophony that forms around the death of an actual queen and living legend.
But there are a few voices that speak the loudest, even when spoken in the written word or said softly aloud: the words of those who knew her best and loved her most.
After her death, Prince Harry released a statement addressing his memories of his grandmother – and what made her so special.
The Queen Had an ‘Infectious Smile’
Prince Harry states that his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II had an ‘everlasting legacy.’
“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,” he stated on Monday, September 12.
“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.’”
He also had added, “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 honor my father in his new role as King Charles III.”
He later then ended his farewell by thanking her for her good advice through the years, and for always smiling while sending an immense amount of love.
Funerals Bring Families Together Again in Heartache
Prince Harry walking behind his grandmother’s coffin as it makes the journey to Westminster Hall pic.twitter.com/yWz15DyA7Q
— best of meghan markle (@princessmeghn) September 14, 2022
The Queen passed while surrounded by everyone who loves her at her Balmoral estate in Scotland. She passed on September 8th, at the age of 96. Harry and the rest of the family were able to rush to her side, sending messages of love ahead so those who didn't reach her bedside before she passed could be sure she knew how they felt.
The Queen was hospitalized back in October of 2021, and her family had been keeping a close eye on her ever since. This major hospitalization was right about the time that Harry and Meghan had made their royal exit permanent back in February of 2021.
Harry, former military pilot, states, “I’ve spoken more to my grandmother in the last year than I have done for many, many years. My grandmother and I have a really good relationship and understanding. And I have a deep respect for her. She’s my Colonel-in-chief, right? She always will be.”
Prince Charles’ former butler, Grant Harrold, had shared back in February of 2020 during a documentary that Harry reminded Queen Elizabeth of her late husband, Prince Philip, who had passed back in April of the year 2021 at the age of 99. “[He has] that wonderful, let’s say, the kind of glint in his eye,” Harrold had said at the time.
The Monarch was also close with Meghan and Harry’s son, Archie, who is just three years old. After Meghan and Harry decided to move overseas to Canada, Queen Elizabeth shared that it was difficult for her to be away from her great grandson at the time. They all soon reunited and the Queen could not have been happier, although it was during the tragic occurrence of Prince Philip’s funeral. She did get to send some time with her grandsons and her great grandchildren, the only bright light in an otherwise heartbreaking time for the Queen.
Harry was also very close to his late grandfather prior to his death. He shared, “My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm — and also because you never knew what he might say next. He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end.”
Harry and Meghan have been thriving on their own, and recently welcomed their daughter, named in honor of the Queen. The couple shared, “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”
Although the Queen has passed away, the legacy she leaves in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will endure.