The Duke of York and son of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, has made his first statement on his mother’s passing.
Prince Andrew has been largely absent from the public eye since he stepped down in 2019 over his friendship with the late Jeffrey Eppstein.
“Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one,” he said in a statement shared on Sunday.
“Your Majesty, it has been an honor 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 honoring their respect.”
“Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your are, your confidence I will treasure forever,” he continued.
“I have found your knowledge and wisdom invite, with no boundary or containment. I will miss your insights, advice, and humor. 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.”
His participation in the national morning has already become a topic for discussion among many.
He was stripped of his royal status and military titles by the Queen after a lady trafficked by Eppstein, Virginia Giuffre, accused him of sexually assaulting her.
The Duke of York denied the claims and says he never met Giuffre, but still paid millions to settle the civil sexual assault case.
As a result of his loss of status, he was unable to wear a military uniform during the Queen’s funeral possession, wearing a suit like Prince Harry, who willingly stepped back from the role.
