Michelle Williams, mother of Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda, releases a statement for the first time since Ledger's death.

"Please respect our need to grieve privately. My heart is broken. I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."

Our thoughts are with Michelle, Matilda and their family and friends.