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While Prince Harry’s recent visit to the United Kingdom came and went relatively quickly, he made time to remember his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on the one-year anniversary of her death. Not only did the Duke of Sussex pay a visit to the longest-reigning monarch’s final resting place, he also paid tribute to her in a thoughtful speech. Prince Harry commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s memory during his remarks at the WellChild Awards, and his words wholly resonated with and captured his grandmother’s steadfast commitment to service.
On Thursday, Sept. 7, Harry attended the awards ceremony for WellChild, a charity that provides support for children and young people struggling with serious illnesses. The annual awards honor caregivers, families, and children. During his opening remarks, Harry acknowledged his absence the year prior. “As you know, I was unable to attend [last year],” Harry said, per Harper’s Bazaar, referencing Queen Elizabeth’s passing on Sept. 8, 2022.
“As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her, and that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight — happy we are together — continuing to spotlight such an incredible community,” he said. As the longest reigning sovereign in U.K. history, Queen Elizabeth’s life was dedicated to her duties as queen. It’s no surprise, then, that Harry’s tribute referenced how much she would have wanted him to fulfill his commitment to service by attending the WellChild Awards.
Following his quick visit to the U.K., the Duke of Sussex set off for Düsseldorf, Germany, for the 2023 Invictus Games. Like his grandmother, Harry has always possessed a deep love and commitment to service. His tribute to the late monarch was so fitting and thoughtful, words Queen Elizabeth II would have been proud.
Image: Pegasus Books
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Queen Elizabeth II has been a global icon for 70 years. Since ascending to the throne at the age of 25, the long-reigning sovereign has approached her historic role with poise and quiet confidence. But behind the veneer of monarchy, Queen Elizabeth has been the leader of a family and household through good times and bad. Robert Hardman’s new biography, Queen of Our Times, takes longtime royal fans behind the veil with unprecedented access to royal records, friends, staff, and more, as the legendary leader and the House of Windsor celebrates her landmark reign. This will surely be known as the definitive book on Queen Elizabeth II.
Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Queen Elizabeth II before she was queen.
