Prince Harry has released a very personal tribute to "my grandpa"
Prince Harry has released a statement paying sweet tribute to "my grandpa," Prince Philip, who passed away peacefully last week at the age of 99.
In a statement displayed on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell website, the 36-year-old Prince - who recently returned solo to the UK to attend the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral - honoured his grandfather's life achievements, as well as what he meant to the family personally.
"My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm - and also because you never knew what he might say next," Harry's notably personal statement began.
"He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end."
The Duke of Sussex continued: "He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, 'Oh do get on with it!'
"So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered - by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts."
Prince Harry signed off the deeply personal note with the Latin phrase 'Per Mare, Per Terram,' meaning, 'By Sea, By Land' which is used widely in the military - something grandfather and grandson had in common.
Prince Harry's statement comes shortly after he and wife Meghan Markle paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh via Archewell. On Friday, the couple removed all functions from the site and replaced it with the words: "In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021. Thank you for your service... you will be greatly missed."
Today, Harry's brother Prince William also released a poignant tribute to Prince Philip. In a statement, he lovingly recalled his grandfather's "infectious sense of adventure as well as mischievous sense of humour".
"I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!" William wrote.
The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will take place this Saturday, 17 April, in Windsor. There will be 30 close family and long-serving employees present in accordance with COVID rules, as opposed to the 800 who would have been invited in normal times.
Our thoughts are with the royal family during this very sad time.
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