Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have paid a personal tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, saying: “We’re so very proud of you.”
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth II wrote: "Our dearest Grannie,
"We've not been able to put much into words since you left us all.
"There have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and a collective loss for you, our beloved Queen and our beloved Grannie.
"We, like many, thought you'd be here forever. And we all miss you terribly.
"You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.
"For now dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy. You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have paid a personal tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, saying: “We’re so very proud of you.”
Buckingham Palace
"The world mourns you and the tributes would really make you smile. They are all too true of the remarkable leader you are.
"We're so happy you're back with Grandpa. Goodbye dear Grannie, it has been the honour of our lives to have been your granddaughters and we're so very proud of you.
"We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service.
"God save the King.
"With our love, Beatrice and Eugenie"
Earlier today, the Queen’s grandchildren stood guard around her coffin.
The Prince of Wales stood at the head, while the two brothers were flanked by cousins Zara Tindall, Peter Philips, Princesses Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor and her brother James, Viscount Severn.
Despite being a former Army officer, Harry has been in civilian dress for official events, including walking behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin on Wednesday.
The Queen’s eight grandchildren looked deep in thought as they stood guard around her coffin for a vigil in Westminster Hall.
The Prince of Wales was flanked by his cousins Zara Tindall and Peter Philips, while the Duke of Sussex stood with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as Lady Louise Windsor and her brother Viscount Severn were at the middle of the coffin.
They had their heads bowed as members of the public filed past them.
On Friday the Queen’s children – Charles, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex – held their own vigil.
Final preparations are under way for the funeral on Monday, with politicians and royal dignitaries from around the world expected to arrive throughout the weekend.
Princess Beatrice, Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie look on as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II lies on the catafalque in Westminster Hall, London.
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