The Duke of York, in a tribute to his late mother, said: “Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever.”
Andrew stood vigil by Queen Elizabeth II's coffin on Friday evening, alongside his siblings King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
He wore military uniform for the occasion, despite no longer being a working member of the Royal Family.
And now he has made a public statement to express his grief.
He accompanied his words with a black and white photo taken by society photographer Cecil Beaton of his mother holding him as a newborn in March 1960.
Prince Andrew as a baby with his 'mummy' Queen Elizabeth II
Duke of York
The statement reads: “Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one.
“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.
“Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever. I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment.
“I will miss your insights, advice and humour. As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide."
Andrew stepped down from public life over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2019.
Queen’ Elizabeth II's second son went on to pay millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to a woman he claimed never to have met.
Virginia Giuffre sued him for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew denied the claims.
In January, ahead of his legal settlement, he was stripped of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.
Prince Andrew during the procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall
HENRY NICHOLLS
