Prince Harry Pays Tribute To Late Grandfather Prince Philip

Prince Harry paid tribute to Prince Philip on Monday in a statement remembering his grandfather as “a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke,” as well as a “master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.”

“My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor,” Harry wrote. “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,” he said. “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.”

Harry ended the statement with “Per Mare, Per Terram,” the motto of the Royal Marines, meaning “By Sea, By Land.”

Harry, 36, arrived in London on Sunday is set to attend Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday. This is the first time Harry will see members of the royal family since the Oprah Winfrey interview with his wife Meghan Markle. Markle is staying put in Los Angeles after she was advised by her physician to not travel, as she is expecting the couple’s second child, a baby girl.

Harry’s brother Prince William, 38, also released a statement on his grandfathers death, writing, “I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days.”

“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,” William wrote, “and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!”