Prince William led the tributes to Frances Shand Kydd after she passed away on Thursday. "Harry and I are very upset by the death of our grandmother and we will miss her a lot," said the 21-year-old.
The young royal, who had been in touch with the Spencer family in recent weeks, also broke the news of her death to his brother Harry, who is currently in Africa on his gap year.
Prince Charles likewise offered his sympathies to the Spencers. "I am very saddened by the death of Mrs Shand Kydd, who will be sorely missed," he said. It has not been confirmed whether he and his sons will attend the funeral next Thursday in the remote Scottish town of Oban.
Frances, who was 68 years old, had fought a lengthy battle with a degenerative brain disease. Although born a Protestant, in later life she converted to Catholicism and worked actvely for various charitable organisations.
"She knew she did not have much time but was very alert until the last days," said parish priest Donal MacKay, who performed her last rites. "When I arrived she was very close to death but she looked very peaceful, very calm and ready to meet her maker."
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