Prince Harry made his first public statement on Monday after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “We smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now”, Harry wrote referring to Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022 at age 96.

“Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy”, Prince Harry said in the statement. He also cited Queen Elizabeth II’s speech, which she delivered after her husband’s death on April 9, 2021. “Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings”, he quoted.

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“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”, Prince Harry wrote.

Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle announced that they will be giving up their royal titles in 2020, nearly cutting ties with the royal family of Britain. The couple later moved to the United States.

However, Queen Elizabeth II’s death earlier this month prompted Harry and Meghan’s visit to the United Kingdom. Harry made his first joint public appearance with brother William at Windsor Castle in years.

Harry’s statement came at the start of another day steeped in the historic pageantry and pomp that follows the death of a British sovereign.

King Charles III was starting the day by speaking to lawmakers at Parliament in London before flying to Scotland, news agency Associated Press reported.

Also Read: Why Queen Elizabeth II’s will and wealth will remain secret

Hundreds of lawmakers crowded into the 1,000-year-old Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament for a service in which Parliament will offer its condolences to the king, and he will reply.

On Sunday, thousands of people lined streets and roadsides as the oak coffin was borne from the late queen’s beloved Balmoral Castle summer retreat, where she died on Thursday, to Edinburgh.