Prince William spoke at the Assembly of the Church of Scotland on Saturday and expressed his lifelong relationship with the country, both good and devastating memories.

“Along with listening to this week, there is something I do want to tell you. Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy,” Prince William said. “As I grew up, I saw how my grandmother relishes every minute she spends here. And my father is never happier than when walking among the hills.”

He also spoke of his saddest memory, “In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died.”

William went on to add how Scotland’s natural beauty provided peace in such a troubled time in his life.

“Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning,” he shared. “And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”

William then went on to share one of the happiest memory he had in Scotland- meeting his wife Kate Middleton as they both studied at St. Andrews.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy. Because it was here in Scotland — twenty years ago this year — that I first met Catherine,” Prince William added.