Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Prince Charles on Passing of Queen Mother

Aired April 02, 2002 - 09:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: The big question at this hour. Did the Queen Mum save the monarchy in the 20th century? To her adoring fans, the queen mother, Elizabeth, was simply Queen Mum.

Many credit her with holding together the monarchy for the better part of the 20th century. She was actually thrust into public eye when her husband unexpectedly became king after the abdication of King Edward VII. Then when her husband, King George, passed away she counseled her young daughter Elizabeth as she became the monarch. She was the bulwark of the monarchy during the years when scandal rocked the royal family. She was an important figure in the life of her grandson as well, Prince Charles. And yesterday, the prince gave an emotional tribute and spoke about how important his grandmother was to Great Britain and to him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLES, PRINCE OF WALES: I know what my darling grandmother meant to so many other people. She literally enriched their lives. And she was the original life enhancer for the publicly or privately, whoever she was with and in many ways, I think she had become an institution in her own right, a presence in the nation and in other realms and territories beyond these shores. Once indomitable, somehow timeless, able to span the generations, wise, loving, with an utterly irresistible mischievous of spirit.

But immensely strong character combined with a unique natural grace and an infectious optimism about life itself. Above all, though, she understood the British character. And her heart belonged to this ancient old land. And it's equally indomitable and humorous inhabitance whom she served with panache style and unswerving dignity for very nearly 80 years.

I know too what she meant to the whole family, particularly to the queen, from whom she was always such a stalwart and sensitive support ever since my grandfather died, when he was only 2 1/2 years older than I am now.

And for me, she meant everything. And I had dreaded, dreaded this moment along with I know countless others. Somehow I never thought it would -- it would come. She seemed gloriously unstoppable. And ever since I was a child, I adored her. Her houses were always filled with an atmosphere of fun, laughter and affection. And I -- I learned so much from her of immense value in my life. Apart from anything else, she wrote such sparkling wonderful letters and her turn of phrase could be utterly memorable. But above all she saw the funny side of life and we laughed or we cried. And, oh, how I shall miss those laughs and the wonderful wisdom born of so much experience and of an innate sensitivity to life. She was quite simply the most magical grandmother you could possibly have. And I was utterly devoted to her.

Her departure has left an irreplaceable chasm in countless lives but thank God we are all richer from the sheer joy of her presence and everything she stood for.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com