Prince Andrew thanks Queen's 'love for a son' in statement following her death

Prince Andrew has released a statement about the death of his late mother, the Queen.

The Duke of York wrote: "Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one.

"Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you.

"Mother - of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honouring their respect.

"Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever.

NEW A tribute to the #Queen from the Duke of York #PrinceAndrew pic.twitter.com/YLB81s8T1W

— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) September 18, 2022

"I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment.

"I will miss your insights, advice and humour.

"As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide.

"God save The King."

Buckingham Palace made the official announcement of the Queen's death at 6:30pm on 8 September, which read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon."

King Charles III ascended to the throne immediately on the death of Elizabeth II.

Charles said in a written statement: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.

“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Prince Harry also shared a heartfelt statement responding to the death of his grandmother, whilst thanking her for everything from her 'commitment to service' to her 'sound advice' and 'infectious smile'.

"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," Harry said.

"I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. 

"You are 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."

He added: "We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace."