Prince Andrew has released a heartfelt statement paying tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on the eve of her funeral. The Duke of York, who was stripped of his honorary military titles over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, described the late monarch as 'Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one'. He said it had been an 'honour and privilege' to serve her.
In his statement, Andrew wrote: 'Your Majesty, it has been an honour 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 honouring their respect.' He added: 'Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever.'
The duke also praised the Queen's 'knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment', and said he would miss her 'insights, advice and humour'. He concluded with 'God Save The King', in honour of his brother, King Charles III.
Andrew accompanied his words with a black and white photograph taken by Cecil Beaton, showing the Queen holding him as a newborn in March 1960. The tribute comes after Andrew joined his siblings for a vigil at Westminster Hall on Friday night, where they stood in silence by the Queen's coffin.
