Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew.Photo: RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Service of Thanksgiving for Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Andrewis speaking out in the wake of his motherQueen Elizabeth’s death.

“Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one,” his statement began. “Your Majesty, it has been an honor and privilege to serve you. Mother - of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honoring their respect.”

“Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your are, your confidence I will treasure forever,” he continued. “I have found your knowledge and wisdom invite, with no boundary or containment. I will miss your insights, advice and humuor. As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and 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.”

For more on Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

“God save The King,” he concluded his statement in support of his brotherKing Charles.

Prince Andrew and Queen Elizabeth.The Duke of York

Prince Andrew, the DUke of York released this photo today along with a statement about his mother’s death.. photo credit the Duke of York

During a procession earlier this week behind his mother’s coffin, Andrew was not permitted to wear a military uniform like his siblings and nephewPrince William.Prince Harrywas also not permitted to wear a uniform at the procession due to the fact that he stepped back from his royal role in 2020.

Prince Andrew and Prince Harry on Sept. 14.Kate Green/Getty

Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walk behind the coffin during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022 in London, England. Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin is taken in procession on a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where she will lay in state until the early morning of her funeral. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III.

However, a special exception was made for Prince Andrew to wear a military uniform at a solemn vigil alongside his three siblings on Friday as a sign of respect for his mother and monarchwho died “peacefully” at age 96at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Sept. 8.

Prince Edward, Prince Andrew and King Charles at a vigil for his mother Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 16.DANIEL LEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty

King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex arrive hold a vigil beside the coffin of their mother, Queen Elizabeth

Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!

Royal commentator Robert Jobson told PEOPLE there was uneasiness among senior members of the royal family about the Queen’s decision, “but she insisted.”

“It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son,” said Jobson, the author ofPrince Philip’s Century.

source: people.com