Prince Edward Reflects on the Death of His "Beloved Mama," Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth's youngest child, Prince Edward, has penned a moving message in light of his mother's death.

Prince Edward, also known as the Earl of Wessex, writes of what it means to share your parents with the nation, and says "it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell."

"Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much," Edward writes. "Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us."

Edward's children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn were Queen Elizabeth's youngest grandchildren. Lady Louise, notably, has followed in the footsteps of her late grandfather, Prince Philip, and taken up the sport of carriage riding. At the Royal Windsor Horse Show ahead of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth was delighted to watch Louise compete.

Yesterday, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex traveled to Manchester to greet well-wishers. This evening, Edward will join his three older siblings in standing vigil at their mother's coffin in the Vigil of the Princes.

Read Prince Edward's full tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth

As a family, we have grown up learning to share our parents, especially our beloved mama, with the Nation, her Realms and the Commonwealth. While it has been lovely to have spent time saying our own farewell privately at Balmoral, it is now time to allow others to be able to say their farewell.

We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and respect to such a very special and unique person who was always there for us. And now, we are there for her, united in grief. Thank you for your support, you have no idea how much it means.

The Queen’s passing has left an unimaginable void in all our lives. Sophie and I have taken huge pleasure in seeing our James and Louise enjoying the places and activities that their grandparents loved so much. Given that my mama let us spend so much time with her, I think she also rather enjoyed watching those passions blossom. Those times together, those happy memories, have now become massively precious to each and every one of us.

May God bless Her Majesty and may her memory be long cherished even as the baton she has carried for these past 70 years now passes to the next generation and to my brother, Charles.

Long Live The King.

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