Prince Harry is remembering Prince Philip with a touching tribute! On Monday, the Duke of Sussex shared a statement about the late royal on the website for his and Meghan Markle's nonprofit organization Archewell, which saw him reflect on the various roles Philip played.
Harry remembers Philip as both a royal and a grandparent
Harry started off the sweet letter by reflecting on some of the characteristics he knew and loved Philip for. "My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor," he wrote. He then went on to say that the late royal was "authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm."
While mentioning that Philip was the "longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke," Harry also fondly reminisced about another role he played in his life— that of "grandpa"! He said that Philip was "master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end."
Harry mentions Philip's "unparalleled devotion" to the queen
Harry then touched on the special relationship that Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II shared. "He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion," he said in the statement, "by her side for 73 years of marriage." He also joked that while he had more to say, Philip would want them to just "'get on with it!'"
"So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself," Harry concluded. "You will be sorely missed, but always remembered -- by the nation and the world." He closed with the phrase "Per Mare, Per Terram"— the Royal Marines' slogan meaning "by sea, by land."
Harry has returned to the United Kingdom ahead of Prince Philip's funeral, which will be held this Saturday as a private service. It was announced on Friday that the Duke of Edinburgh had passed away at 99 years old. The Duke of Sussex's statement comes only a few days after he and Meghan updated their website with a simple message that paid tribute to Prince Philip.