Prince William has shared personal memories of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in a new video for the Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial. The Prince of Wales spoke from Windsor Castle, recalling moments he will "always hold dear."
Tea at Windsor Castle
William described enjoying quiet afternoons having tea with the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle. "It’s a privilege to know the late Queen better than most," he said. "Some of my fondest memories of my grandmother are from here in Windsor. I remember many a quiet afternoon, having tea with her and my grandfather at the castle, chatting, sharing stories, and seeing how completely at ease she was here, surrounded by family and her much-loved dogs and horses." He added that she gave him "a love of teatime that I never knew I needed."
Watching the Queen Ride
In the video, William also recalled watching the Queen ride her horses in the Great Park, which revealed a relaxed side to the monarch. "Watching her ride her horses in the Great Park, even when to her later years, showed a side of Granny the world didn’t often see, off-duty, relaxed, and utterly at home," he said. "These moments with my grandmother are ones I’ll always hold dear."
Personal Connection
William regularly visited Windsor Castle when he attended Eton College, having tea and scones with the Queen in the Oak Room. The Queen preferred Earl Grey tea, served from a teapot with a splash of milk and no sugar, and enjoyed high tea at 5pm with sandwiches, scones, and Dundee cake.
Digital Memorial
The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial website allows the public to share memories of the late monarch. It also features video messages from individuals who knew her, including royal photographer Arthur Edwards, athlete Tom Daley, and artist Dame Tracey Emin. The site, led by the Cabinet Office, includes archive material from the Queen's 70-year reign.
