The relationship with his grandmother was never very strained. Accordingly, it should now be easy for Harry to express his appreciation for the Queen. But lo and behold: He also strikes conciliatory tones towards his father, King Charles III.
Queen's grandson Prince Harry has honored his late grandmother Elizabeth II as a "compass" and role model for service and duty. "She was admired and respected around the world. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained throughout her life and is now her eternal legacy," the 37-year-old wrote in a statement published on his Archewell foundation's website.
At the same time, Harry assured his father, the new King Charles III, of his support. The relationship between him and his father, but also between him and his brother Prince William, is considered to be heavily burdened. Harry's announcement of acknowledging Charles in his new role could mean a peace gesture.
The final farewell makes him sad, Harry writes directly to his "Granny". At the same time he is grateful for their encounters - "from my earliest childhood memories with you to the first meeting with you as my supreme commander to the first moment when you met my wonderful wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren". Harry emphasizes: "I cherish these times that I have shared with you and all the other special moments in between."
The Duke of Sussex, as his official title is, ends his message with: "Thank you for your dedication to the service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We smile too, knowing that you and grandpa are now reunited in peace." Queen's husband Prince Philip died in April 2021 at the age of 99.
Harry lives in California with his wife Duchess Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet, who is named after the Queen. The couple happened to be in the UK when the Queen died in Scotland on Thursday. Meghan and Harry have given up their royal duties and have repeatedly criticized the palace. However, the Queen always expressly excluded them from their allegations.
