Prince William misses his beloved grandmother.
In his first public speech after Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Sept. 8, the newly anointed Prince of Wales referred to her at a United Wildlife Summit Tuesday in London.
“Our natural world is one of our greatest assets,” William said, according to People. “It’s a lesson I learned from an early age, from my father and grandfather, both devoted naturalists, as well as my much-missed grandmother, who cared so much about the natural world.”
He added: “In times of loss, it is comforting to honor those we miss through the work we do. I therefore take great comfort in the progress we are making to end the illegal wildlife trade.”
Founded in 2014 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, the platform pledges to “protect endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade.” Our mission is to promote cross-sectoral cooperation to make it impossible for smugglers to transport, finance or profit from illegal wildlife products.”
After the death of the Queen, the father of three released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of the monarch.
“She was by my side in my happiest moments,” it read in part. “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 grandma will feel real.
“I thank her for the kindness she has shown my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for setting an example of service and dignity in public life that was of a different age, but always relevant to all of us.”
This was not the future heir’s first appearance since the Queen’s death and burial. Last week he and his wife Kate Middleton visited Wales.
Earlier this week, the palace released a new portrait of William and Middleton, standing next to King Charles III and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles. The two couples posed for the photo on September 18, the night before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.