Prince William Speaks out on Queen Elizabeth's Death

Prince William has broken his silence on the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The long-reigning U.K. monarch died on Thursday at the age of 96. On Saturday, William, who now holds the royal title of The Prince of Wales, shared an emotional statement honoring his "Grannie" for all she accomplished and for all she did for him as the family matriarch.

"On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign," William wrote. "I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives."

"She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.

"I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.

He concluded, "My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can."

William is now second-in-line to the throne. His father, King Charles III, is now the reigning monarch. William's stepmother, Camilla, now holds the title of Queen consort. William's wife, Kate Middleton, is now the Princess of Wales.

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