On Saturday, Kate Middleton, the newly titled Princess of Wales, shared a story about her youngest son's reaction to the death of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, who passed away on Thursday, September 8. Kate was walking the grounds of Windsor with Prince William to take in the tributes left by people honoring the late Queen when she related what happened after Prince Louis heard he news.
A royal reporter noted the story first as Kate spoke with a well wisher named Banita Ranow, according to Hello! Magazine, but the interaction was actually captured on video and shared in a viral clip on TikTok.
"My little Louis is just so sweet," Kate says in the video, eventually becoming teary-eyed. "He said, 'Mummy don't worry, because she is now with great-grandpa.'"
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Louis' great-grandpa, passed away in April of 2021.
The Prince and Princess of Wales made their appearance accompanied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly invited last minute, and some are taking it as a sign that a reconciliation between the brothers and their wives is in the cards. It was the first time they were seen in deliberate company with one another since the Sussexes stepped down as working members of the royal family and moved to California.
That same afternoon, William released a statement on social media about Elizabeth, reflecting on her time as a regent, but also her role as his grandmother.
"On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute," he began. "So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign."
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"I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.
"She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real."
He concluded, "My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can."