Harry and William share moving tributes to their late grandfather Prince Philip

Survived by Her Majesty The Queen, and their four children, Prince Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle where he and Queen Elizabeth usually take up official residence for a month over Easter.

Sharing their own personal statements in the wake of his loss, both Prince Harry and Prince William broke their silence yesterday. Back in the UK ahead of the funeral this Saturday, Harry is staying at Frogmore Cottage, where he and wife Meghan lived. Speaking fondly of his grandfather, Harry described him as 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. 

“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.”

Adding that he has been “a rock for Her Majesty the Queen with unparalleled devotion”, it’s a sentiment the Queen shares, saying that he was her “strength and stay” throughout their 73 years of marriage. 

Prince Harry, who is currently in the U.K. at Frogmore Cottage ahead of Saturday’s funeral, has written a tribute to grandfather Prince Philip on behalf of him and his family: pic.twitter.com/9jYEMyf7ur

— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 12, 2021

Meghan Markle will not attend the funeral, she has remained in California due to her pregnancy and on the advice of doctors. She told Oprah in their interview last month that she is due “in the summer”.

Prince William also shared his own tribute to his grandfather on behalf of himself and Kate Middleton the Duchess of Cambridge. Accompanying his words with an unseen photo of his grandfather and son together, Prince William admitted that he feels “lucky” to have had Prince Philip’s example and enduring presence to guide him. 

“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!

“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”

Prince Philip will be laid to rest this coming weekend and will not have a state funeral in line with his wishes. 

Feature image via @princeandprincessofwales