Prince Harry and Meghan release sweet statement following the Queen's death

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a statement following the Queen's death.

"In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen - and in mourning her loss - we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty," the statement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begins.

"She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true thoruhgout her life and now her everlasting legacy."

A tribute from #PrinceHarry on the death of his adored grandmother #TheQueen #QueenElizabethII pic.twitter.com/PaMdAK9hCT

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 12, 2022

The couple continued: "Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: 'Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings'.

"Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings - from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren.

"I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.

"Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace."

News of Her Majesty's passing was confirmed by Buckingham Palace, which issued a statement on Thursday (8 September) evening, announcing that the 96-year-old monarch had died 'peacefully' at Balmoral in Scotland.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," it read.

"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

On Thursday, members of the Royal Family, including Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew, travelled to Balmoral to be with their beloved grandmother and mother.

King Charles III and the The Queen Consort, as well as Princess Anne, were also at Balmoral with the Queen.

While Prince William arrived with Prince Andrew, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Harry travelled separately and didn't arrive at Balmoral until the evening.

He was pictured leaving on Friday (9 September) morning.

The Queen's death marks a monumental shift in British history and the end of a 70-year reign.

Having ascended to the throne in 1952 aged just 25, she was the longest reigning British monarch, as well as the longest-serving female head of state ever.

Her death marks the start of the reign of King Charles III.