'I'm forever grateful’: Prince Harry releases first statement after Queen’s death

"She was globally admired and respected," Harry, who stepped down from royal duties with his wife Meghan in 2020, said in an official statement.

In a first official statement since the queen’s death, her grandson Prince Harry has hailed her as a “guiding compass” and praised her “unwavering grace and dignity.

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle before meeting well-wishers. (AFP)

"She was globally admired and respected," Harry, who stepped down from royal duties with his wife Meghan in 2020, said.

The personal statement, posted Monday on Harry and his wife Meghan’s Archwell website, said he cherished their times together “from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great grandchildren.”

Harry quit as a senior royal and moved to the U.S. two years ago. On Saturday, he and Meghan joined his brother Prince William and his wife Catherine in meeting mourners outside Windsor Castle.

"I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over."

After he and Meghan left their official royal roles, they became alienated from the family, including his father, now King Charles, and delivered withering criticism of Buckingham Palace and how they had been treated.

"As it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III," he said.