Prince Harry's Touching Tribute to Prince Philip Is Filled With Memories and Meaning

Prince Harry and Prince Philip always shared an intimate bond, which the Duke of Sussex just highlighted with his most recent tribute to his grandfather. Following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a joint statement on their Archewell website. On Monday, April 12, Prince Harry issued his own personal message to his grandfather, and it’s an incredibly heartwarming read.

“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,” the Duke of Sussex’s tribute opened.

“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.”

His statement continued: “He has been a rock of 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.”

The special tribute ended with “Per Mare, Per Terram,” which is the motto of the Royal Marines and in Latin means “By Sea, By Land.”

Prince Harry is currently staying at Frogmore Cottage ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday, April 17. Meghan is sadly unable to attend due to being pregnant and being advised by her physician not to travel.