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In a poignant tribute, Prince Andrew (62) shared how he'll “forever” hold his “mummy” close to his heart.
In his written statement, which was accompanied by a black and white photo of his mother holding him as a newborn in March 1960, the Duke of York called it an “honour and privilege” to have served her.
“Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one. Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you," he wrote.
The queen’s second-eldest son, who was reportedly her favourite child, says that although he'll miss her, he knows she'll always continue to guide him.
“I will miss your insights, advice and humour. As our book of experiences closes, another opens and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide,” he says.
READ MORE |Reading tributes, mingling with mourners . . . how the royals reacted after queen’s death
Andrew resigned from working royal life in disgrace after making headlines following a controversial 2019 BBC interview in which he defended his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But while the rest of the world criticised him, the queen stood by her son throughout the scandal as well as the civil court case surrounding accusations by Virginia Giuffre that she was forced to have sex with him when she was 17.
In his tribute Andrew referred to this unconditional love the queen showed him.
“Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever,” he said before ending off his heartfelt tribute with “God save the king”.
Andrew's two daughters, Princess Beatrice (34) and Princess Eugenie (32), whose mother is his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York (62), also penned a letter remembering the life of their “beloved grannie”, saying there's been lots of tears and laughter following her death. “We, like many, thought you’d be here forever. And we all miss you terribly,” they wrote.
They went on to say how Her Majesty had taught them so many lessons while always providing a “loving hand” when they needed one.
Beatrice and Eugenie acknowledged all the love and tributes the late queen has received, saying they know she would've “smiled” and that they're happy she's back with their beloved “grandpa” Prince Philip.
They added that they know their “dear uncle Charles, the king” will continue to follow her example.
“For now, dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy,” the two princesses wrote. “You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world.”
SOURCES: PAGESIX.COM, TELEGRAPH.CO.UK, TOWNANDCOUNTRYMAG.COM, THEGAURDIAN.COM, PEOPLE.COM
