Prince Harry on Monday released a personal statement following the death of his beloved Granny, Queen Elizabeth , who died at the age of 96.

Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetingsfrom my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren, the Duke of Sussex said in the statement .

Harry added he cherished the moments he spent with Queen Elizabeth and said her loss was being felt by the whole world, also noting his fathers new role as King Charles III.

Thank you for your infectious smile, he said. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.

Harry is one of the queens eight grandchildren.

The late British monarch is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, including Harry and Meghans son, Archie, and daughter Lili, who is named after the queens family nickname Lilibet.

The two children are now technically prince and princess after the death of the queen, though it is unclear if King Charles will change protocols .