Queen’s favourite son Prince Andrew releases a heartfelt statement to ‘dear Mummy’ after her death

PRINCE Andrew has said he will forever treasure his “mummy’s compassion, care and love for a son”.

The Duke of York – famously the Queen‘s favourite child – today paid tribute to the late monarch in an emotional statement.

He addressed the note: “Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one.”

He went on to say it had been “an honour and privilege” to serve her, before adding: “I will miss your insights, advice and humour.”

Andrew, who stepped down from public life over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, continued: “Your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular.

“I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment.

“As our book of experiences closes, another opens.

“I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide.”

The 62-year-old ended the heartfelt statement honouring his brother Charles, saying: “God Save The King.”

Andrew accompanied his words with a black and white photo taken by Cecil Beaton of his mother holding him as a newborn in March 1960.

The Queen’s disgraced second son paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to a woman he claimed never to have met.

Virginia Giuffre sued him for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein.

Andrew denied the claims.

In January, ahead of his legal settlement, the Queen stripped him of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.

Andrew’s statement follows his daughters’ heartbreaking tribute to their “beloved Grannie” yesterday.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie last night thanked their “guide” and “matriarch” for making them laugh and for picking heather and raspberries.

Sharing a glimpse into their relationship, they told how they have “shared in loneliness” since their grandmother died peacefully in Balmoral last Thursday.

And they described how they, “like many” thought she would be “here forever”.