A Hudson Valley man who had a close relationship with the royal family is mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

Glenn Guzi, who now lives in Peekskill, was given the title of a member of the Order of the British by Elizabeth.

His connection to the royal family stems back to when he lived in London in the 1990s, when he initially met Princess Diana. He later met the rest of the royals.

Guzi stayed in touch, and every time the royal family visited New York, he would coordinate with the British Consulate.

The queen’s last visit to New York was in 2010, which was when Guzi gave her a tour of the 9/11 Memorial.

In 2016, the queen in her birthday honors decided to bestow upon him what's officially called the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Guzi says Elizabeth was larger than life and her 96 years of life were well lived.

"Queen Elizabeth, Elizabeth Alexandria Mary was a human being…and the human being was very bright, caring, quick-witted, funny individual who did not take herself serious, who loved people” he says.

Guzi also spent time with King Charles III, whom he says is a very bright and companionable man.