Prince Edward is feeling "overwhelmed by emotion'" following the death of Queen Elizabeth
The 58-year-old royal - who is the son of the late monarch and her late husband Prince Philip and the brother of King Charles - had "learned to share" his parents with the world as part of the family and thanked the nation for their support following his mother's passing on 8 September at the age of 96 following a 70-year reign.
In a statement, he said: "As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the Nation, her Realms and the Commonwealth. While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell.
We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us. And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means."
Edward - who has been married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex since 1999 and has Lady Louise,
18, and James, Viscount Severn, 14 - went on to explain that the passing of his mother had left a "huge void" in their lives but looked to the future as his older brother acceded to the throne.
He added: "The Queen's passing has left an unimaginable void in all our lives. Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much. Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us.
May God bless Her Majesty and may her memory be long cherished even as the baton she has carried for these past 70 years now passes to the next generation and to my brother, Charles."
