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Prince Harry and Prince William’s heartfelt tributes to their grandfather, Prince Philip

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Updated on April 12, 2021

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Prince Harry paid homage to his “witty” grandfather Philip today, describing him as the “master of the barbecue and banter legend.”

Harry, who arrived in the UK last night after a trip to the United States, described the Duke of Edinburgh as “cheeky ’til the end.”

Prince Harry spoke for the first time since Prince Philip’s death on Friday, recalling a man who was “authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could keep the attention of any room thanks to his charisma — and also because you never knew what he might say next.”

The Duke of Sussex is now residing at Frogmore Cottage, the residence he shared with Meghan Markle before they moved to the United States. On April 17, he will attend a small family funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle’s grounds.

Throughout his more than 70 years of service to the nation, the Duke said his grandfather was “authentically himself.”

The following is the complete text of the Duke of Sussex’s letter, which was published by his Archewell Foundation:

“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.

“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. 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.

“‘Per Mare, Per Terram.’”

Prince William, 38, posted a tender picture of Prince George, his then-toddler sibling, seated next to the Duke of Edinburgh in Norfolk.

George’s mother, Kate Middleton, took the family portrait in 2015, showing the youngster seated alongside Philip in the box seat of a wagon, while the duke kept the reins and a whip.

Prince William’s statement:

“My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family. 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 always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her.

“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 and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!

“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”