Prince William Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in Heartfelt Instagram Post

The world was left in shock and sadness after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most iconic figures of both the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Queen passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8, at Balmoral, aged 96, following news that doctors were concerned over her health.

Prince William, the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, has officially spoken out for the first time since the passing of his grandmother, praising her as an extraordinary leader.

In a heartbreaking statement, Prince William revealed how Her Majesty had provided him and his wife Catherine with wisdom and reassurance and their children memories that will last them a lifetime.

He also echoed one of the late Queen's most famous quotes in the moving message, saying, “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

The new heir to the throne pledged to support his father, King Charles III, in every way he can as he becomes the new Prince of Wales, with Catherine taking the title of Princess of Wales.

He said, “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the realms and the Commonwealth was absolute.

So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.

I, however, have lost a grandmother.”

Prince William went on to express his gratitude for the kindness the Queen showed his family and himself.

He thanked her on behalf of his generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life.

The Prince concluded his statement by saying, “All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.

I will honor her memory by supporting my father, the King, in every way I can.”

Now that Charles has been crowned King Charles III and Camilla assumes the title of Queen Consort, William and Catherine are now known as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

In addition to their Cambridge titles, which they took on after their wedding in 2011, the couple will now add Cornwall to their titles.

Their children will subsequently be known as Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge, and Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge.

Prince William's statement follows that of new King Charles III, who issued a statement just hours after the Queen's death was announced on Thursday.

The statement read, “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.

I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

Prince William is now next in line to the world's most famous throne, followed by his firstborn son, Prince George, 9.

William has had some of his happiest and saddest memories in Scotland.

While speaking at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland last year during his royal tour of Scotland, the Duke of Cambridge opened up about his personal connection to the country.

Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories.

But also, my saddest,” added William, noting that he was at Balmoral Castle when he learned of his mother Princess Diana's death in 1997.

“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died.

Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning,” he said.

As the speech continued, William went on to focus on some of the happier memories he has of Scotland, including meeting wife Catherine.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy.

Because it was here in Scotland, twenty years ago this year, that I first met Catherine,” he said of his wife of eleven years, whom he met while they were both studying at St. Andrews.

Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart,” William continued, noting that their love of Scotland is something they will pass along to their three children.

“George, Charlotte, and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too.

We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the highlands to the central belt, from the islands to the borders.”

In conclusion, Prince William's tribute to his grandmother was a testament to the love and respect he had for her.

He honored her memory by pledging to support his father, King Charles III, in every way he can.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, her legacy as an extraordinary leader and an example of service and dignity in public life will continue to inspire generations to come.