‘Now we are there for her, united in grief’: Prince Edward says Queen’s death ‘has left an unimaginable hole in all our lives’ in heartfelt tribute
- Prince Edward and Countess Sophie broke their silence on the Queen’s death
- The royal couple said they and the country were ‘united in grief’ for the Queen
- They and their children, Louise and James, paid tribute at Westminster Hall
- The Queen’s funeral: All the latest Royal Family news and coverage
The Earl and Countess of Wessex have paid a heartfelt tribute to the Queen as she lies in state in Westminster Hall.
Prince Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, and his wife Countess Sophie published a statement thanking Queen Elizabeth II for her years of service.
The royal couple said the Queen’s death last week had left an ‘unimaginable void in all our lives’.
In a statement published by Buckingham Palace, Prince Edward 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.
Prince Edward and Countess Sophie, pictured with the Queen at Royal Ascot in 2019, said the monarch’s death had left ‘an unimaginable hole in all our lives’
‘And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means.
‘The Queen’s passing has left an unimaginable hole 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.
‘Long Live The King.’
The Duke and Countess of Wessex took part in the procession of the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall earlier in the week
Yesterday, Prince Edward and Countess Sophie greeted mourners in Manchester as thousands turned out to pay tribute to the Queen.
On Wednesday, the couple were part of the procession which brought the Queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
In Manchester, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, met Josh, a young mourner who was waiting to see her with his mother, Sue.
Recounting the moment they met, Sue said: ‘She just said ”nice to meet you, do you want me to take your flowers?” Then Josh said ”can I have a hug?”. They hugged, then he asked for a photo. The bouquet is signed from Josh but it’s got my name on it as well.’
Asked what the moment felt like, Josh – who is non-verbal – replied: ‘Happy.’
Edward and Sophie paid tribute to the Queen at Westminster Hall alongside their children, Lady Louse and Viscount Severn, earlier in the week.
The Queen’s granddaughter Lady Louise Windsor joined her brother James, Viscount Severn at the service in Westminster Hall on Wednesday
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