Moments after Queen Elizabeth II died on Sept. 8, her son, now King Charles III, paid tribute to the fearless leader he paid witness to for 73 years.
"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," the royal, formerly known as Prince Charles, wrote in a statement shared by Buckingham Palace. "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
"During this period of mourning and change," he continued, "my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral castle in Scotland in the afternoon of Sept. 8. She was 96 years old. Buckingham Palace announced that the King and his wife The Queen Consort—formerly known as Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall—"will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
In addition to King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II is survived by her three other children—Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward—as well as eight grandchildren—including Prince William and Prince Harry—and 12 great-grandchildren.
Back in February, the Queen, who reigned for 70 years, expressed her desire for the public to support King Charles and the Queen Consort when he takes the throne.
"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me," she said in a statement at the time, "and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service."