On September 8, 2025, marking the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—shared a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with royal fans worldwide. The poignant gesture, reflecting the royal family’s enduring love and respect for the late monarch, highlighted the personal and public legacy of Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign, who died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
A Family’s Heartfelt Remembrance
The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by their children, chose a deeply personal way to honor Queen Elizabeth II. In a moving social media post shared on their official account, they wrote, “Today, we come together as a family to remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her wisdom, grace, and devotion to duty continue to inspire us all. We miss you every day. W, C, G, C, & L.” The message, signed with the initials of William, Catherine, George, Charlotte, and Louis, underscored the intimate family bond and the collective grief still felt three years on.
Accompanying the message was a carefully curated selection of images, including a previously unreleased photograph taken by Princess Catherine at Balmoral in the summer of 2022. The image captured a joyful moment of Queen Elizabeth surrounded by her great-grandchildren, including George, Charlotte, and Louis, radiating warmth and familial love. Another image showed the late Queen with her beloved corgis, a nod to her lifelong affection for the breed, while a third depicted her on the Buckingham Palace balcony during her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to the nation.
A Private Moment of Reflection
In addition to the public tribute, the Wales family attended a private service at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth worshipped regularly. The intimate gathering, joined by King Charles and Queen Camilla, featured prayers in both English and Welsh, echoing the solemnity of the late Queen’s funeral. A poignant moment came with the singing of “Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts,” a hymn performed at her state funeral, evoking memories of that historic day.
Princess Catherine, known for her thoughtful gestures, laid a bouquet of white roses, eucalyptus, and ivy beside a portrait of the Queen, standing in silence with her family. The act mirrored a similar moment on the first anniversary in 2023, when she and Prince William laid flowers at St Davids Cathedral in Wales, reinforcing their commitment to honoring the Queen’s memory across the UK.
Fans Moved by the Children’s Involvement
The inclusion of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in the tribute struck a particular chord with royal supporters. Fans flooded social media with messages of admiration, with one writing, “Seeing the children’s initials on the tribute is so touching. It shows how much the Queen meant to the whole family.” Another commented, “The photo of Her Majesty with her great-grandchildren is beautiful—a reminder of her warmth and love. Thank you, Wales family, for sharing this moment.”
Princess Charlotte, who shared a special bond with her great-grandmother, notably wore a horseshoe brooch gifted by Queen Elizabeth at her funeral in 2022, a subtle nod to their shared love of horses. The involvement of the young royals in the tribute highlighted the generational continuity of the monarchy, with George, Charlotte, and Louis—now second, third, and fourth in line to the throne—carrying forward their great-grandmother’s legacy.
A Nation Reflects on Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy
The tribute coincided with broader national commemorations. King Charles and Queen Camilla led a service at Crathie Kirk, where the King issued a statement reflecting on his mother’s “long life, devoted service, and all she meant to so many of us”. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also honored the late Queen, stating, “Her dedication to the UK and Commonwealth taught us the enduring value of service. We honor her memory today”.
The royal family’s actions underscored their commitment to Queen Elizabeth’s ethos of duty, even amidst personal grief. The announcement of a national memorial to be erected in St James’s Park, London, further emphasized her lasting impact, with the site chosen for its historical significance and personal connection to the late monarch.
A Legacy That Endures
The Wales family’s tribute, blending public remembrance with private reflection, captured the essence of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign—marked by resilience, unity, and service. For fans, the inclusion of the children’s initials and the intimate family photographs were a powerful reminder of the personal loss felt by the royals, mirroring the nation’s own sense of grief.
As one fan poignantly noted, “Three years on, and Her Majesty’s presence is still felt so strongly. This tribute from William, Catherine, and their children shows how her legacy lives on in the next generation.” The heartfelt gesture not only honored Queen Elizabeth II but also reinforced the monarchy’s enduring connection to the people, touching hearts across the globe.
