Prince Harry is speaking out following the passing of his beloved grandfather Prince Philip.
The Duke of Sussex released a statement via the Archewell communications team this morning, reflecting on the fondest memories he shared with his grandfather. Harry's statement arrived shortly after his brother, Prince William, also released a commemorative message honoring the Duke of Edinburgh; his was shared via the Kensington Royal Instagram account.
"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," began Harry's message. "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."
Harry continued, describing his grandfather as "a rock" for his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and imagining how Philip would react to the public support following his passing.
"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!'" added Harry. "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."
Concluding the message, Harry wrote, "Per Mare, Per Terram," a Latin term used by the British Marines that means, "By Sea, By Land."
BAZAAR.com can confirm that Harry has already arrived in the United Kingdom ahead of this Saturday's funeral services for the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Sussex arrived with a negative COVID-19 test certificate, is expected to quarantine for five consecutive days, and will take an additional precautionary test before he can attend this weekend's services. Harry's wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was advised to stay home, because she is heavily pregnant with her and Harry's second child. She was not cleared by a physician to travel amid the ongoing pandemic.
Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed.
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