Update: 4/12/2021: “My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour,” Prince Harry said in a personal statement issued on Monday (Apr. 12) according to PEOPLE. “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,” added Harry. “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.”
Original: Prince Harry is in mourning after the death of his beloved grandfather, Prince Philip. After the royal died on April 9, Harry released a joint statement with wife Meghan Markle on their official Archewell website. “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh,” the tribute read. “Thank you for your service, you will be greatly missed.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have paid tribute to Prince Philip on their https://t.co/w77h3sYI8I website: pic.twitter.com/7sT992lAaX
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 9, 2021
Harry’s statement came shortly after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, revealed the sad news of his grandfather’s death at 99 via a statement from Buckingham Palace: ““It is with deep sorrow that her Majesty the Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement said. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Palace. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family will join people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Philip sadly passed away after battling an infection that kept him in the hospital for two weeks. Philip was rushed to the hospital on February 16, with Buckingham Palace explaining that it was just a “precautionary measure” after the Duke of Edinburgh complained to his doctor of “feeling ill.” They later revealed that he was suffering from an infection. Two weeks into his hospital stay, he was transferred to another facility to treat a pre-existing heart condition and was released in early March.
Harry and his grandfather were very close. The grandfather and grandson were often seen attending events side-by-side, and in fits of laughter while attending to their royal duties. That bond didn’t dissolve when Harry and Meghan moved to North America. “It was never walking away [from royal duties] — it was stepping back instead of stepping down,” Harry explained in a February interview with James Cordon. “It was a really difficult environment as a lot of people saw.”
After Harry and Meghan’s now iconic with Oprah Winfrey in March, fans suggested that the family member who questioned Meghan about their son, Archie’s skin color could be Philip. Harry was quick to stamp out this rumor, telling Oprah in private that, “it was not his grandmother or grandfather who were part of those conversations,” she confirmed in an interview. Though they’re thousands of miles apart, Harry said that he and his grandfather still chatted regularly via Zoom.