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Following his arrival into London from Los Angeles overnight, Prince Harry has released a heartfelt statement on the death of his grandfather, Prince Philip. The Duke of Sussex honours Prince Philip’s devotion to Queen Elizabeth II, his “cheeky” demeanour and skills on the barbecue.
“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.
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.
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.”
‘Per Mare, Per Terram’”
“Per Mare, Per Terram” is the motto of the Royal Marines and is Latin for “By Sea, By Land”.
The Duke left the @RoyalNavy as a serving officer in 1952 to support The Queen in her duties, but remained deeply committed to the Armed Forces.
In 1953, HRH was given honorary appointments, becoming Admiral of the Fleet, @BritishArmy Field Marshal and @RoyalAirForce Marshal. pic.twitter.com/DOkqHiN1ND
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 12, 2021
Prince Harry is believed to be quarantining at Frogmore Cottage ahead of the funeral on Saturday. According to local law, he will be permitted to leave isolation after five days and a negative COVID-19 test. It is the first time the Duke has returned to the UK since Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The statement was released just minutes after his brother, Prince William, released his own statement via The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Twitter account.
“I will miss my grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job,” the Duke of Cambridge said in a statement. “My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.”
He continued, “Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead.”
"My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation."
A message from The Duke of Cambridge following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh: https://t.co/lVCSPrG7uG pic.twitter.com/atiB8djxPO
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 12, 2021
It is hard to ignore the underlying messaging of Prince William’s statement, perhaps a nod to Prince Harry and his choice to flee the UK for the United States – for the sake of the couple’s mental health. In February, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they would not resume their royal duties.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement. “The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.”
The statement continued, “While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The funeral for the Duke of Edinburgh will take place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17, 3pm local time (or midnight AEST). It is set to be televised with just 30 guests allowed to attend the service.
