As the U.K. prepares to honor the beloved monarch ahead of what would have been her 100th birthday, the Prince of Wales reflected on treasured memories within Windsor Castle, offering a rare glimpse into the private side of the Queen that few ever saw.
Prince William is opening up about one of the most personal chapters of his relationship with his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, revealing the quiet family moments that meant more to him than royal ceremonies ever could.
Prince William Shares His Most Cherished Memories Of Queen Elizabeth
Prince William has reflected on the treasured time he spent with his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, as part of a growing digital tribute honoring Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Nearly four years following the Queen’s death in September 2022, an evolving online memorial has invited members of the public and well-known figures to share their memories of her life and legacy.
In a heartfelt video message, the Prince of Wales revealed that some of his happiest moments with Queen Elizabeth happened far away from official royal engagements.
While attending nearby Eton College, he regularly visited Windsor Castle to spend quiet afternoons with the late Queen and her husband, Prince Philip.
“Whilst I had the privilege to know the late Queen better than most, some of my fondest memories of my grandmother are from here in Windsor. I remember many a quiet afternoon, having tea with her and my grandfather at the castle, chatting, sharing stories, and seeing how completely at ease she was here, surrounded by family and her much-loved dogs and horses,” William shared.
Prince William Says Windsor Castle Showed The Queen’s Private Side
The memories hold even more significance today as Prince William now lives on the Windsor estate with his wife, Princess Kate, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Looking back, the Prince of Wales explained that Windsor Castle allowed him to see a version of Queen Elizabeth rarely witnessed by the public.
“To this day, she’s given me a love of teatime that I never knew I needed,” he said with a smile.
The future king also fondly remembered watching the late monarch enjoy one of her lifelong passions. “Watching her ride her horses in the Great Park, even well into her later years, showed a side of Granny the world didn’t often see – off-duty, relaxed and utterly at home,” he recalled.
William concluded the emotional tribute by saying, “These moments with my grandmother are ones I’ll always hold dear.”
Prince William Joins Tribute Ahead Of Queen Elizabeth’s 100th Birthday
William’s message is part of wider commemorations marking what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday in April 2026.
The late monarch passed away at the age of 96 after a historic 70-year reign, making her Britain’s longest-serving sovereign.
The digital memorial officially launched on April 21, with King Charles and Queen Camilla viewing plans for a permanent memorial dedicated to the late Queen.
During a visit to the British Museum, the royal couple examined a scale model of the proposed memorial, along with statues of Charles’ parents, artwork, and a short film showcasing the project’s vision.
The tribute is intended to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable life while giving future generations a place to reflect on her enduring legacy.
Prince William’s Family Legacy Lives On Through The New Memorial
The memorial project has been years in the making, with organizers consulting communities across the United Kingdom to ensure it reflects Queen Elizabeth’s lasting impact.
Alex Holmes, a member of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, explained that the project represents “the culmination of two years of work.”
He said the committee had spent significant time speaking not only with people who knew the Queen personally but also with organizations throughout the country.
“We’ve spent a long time speaking not just to those who knew the Queen well but community organizations across the U.K.,” Holmes revealed during a chat with PEOPLE.
According to Holmes, the planned memorial park in St. James’s Park will become a place where people can gather, much like Queen Elizabeth did throughout her reign.
Prince William’s Grandmother Continues To Inspire Future Generations
Holmes also revealed that the vision for the memorial extends beyond honoring history, focusing instead on the qualities that defined Queen Elizabeth throughout her decades of public service.
“The memorial park in St. James’s Park is going to be a really beautiful place that brings people together in the same way that the Queen did,” he explained.
According to him, Queen Elizabeth “had the ability to bring people together, whether it was intergenerational or from different faiths or communities.”
Meanwhile, reports have revealed that the memorial park will reflect the Commonwealth and feature a four-nations garden which represents the four nations of the U.K.