Prince William reflected on his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, describing how she imparted to him a “love of teatime that I didn’t know I needed” in a video message featured on the Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial. The memorial, launched on April 21 by the UK Cabinet Office, commemorates the Queen’s life and reign through archival material, photographs, and videos, while also inviting the public to contribute their own memories.

In the personal tribute, the Prince of Wales shared some of his most cherished moments visiting Windsor Castle during his time at Eton College. He recalled spending quiet afternoons having tea with the Queen and his grandfather, Prince Philip, emphasizing the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of those gatherings. William described seeing the Queen at ease and surrounded by family, including her beloved dogs and horses, highlighting how these occasions revealed a more private side of the monarch seldom seen by the public.

He also spoke of watching the Queen ride horses in Windsor Great Park well into her later years, portraying her as “off-duty, relaxed, and utterly at home.” These reflections illustrate the personal connection William had with his grandmother beyond her public duties.

The digital memorial includes a fully digitised version of the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements throughout Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The Cabinet Office noted that this was made possible with permission from The Times, which has published the Court Circular continuously since 1827. To mark the Queen’s centenary this year, 100 memories have been uploaded to the website.

One contributor recalled an incident during the 1981 Trooping The Colour, where the Queen demonstrated her horsemanship and determination by calming her horse, Burmese, after unexpected gunfire. The website encourages further submissions, allowing people to share their personal remembrances of the late monarch. The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial can be accessed at www.queenelizabeth.com.