Prince Harry pays tribute to Prince Philip, calling him the ‘legend of banter’

Prince Harry has paid tribute to his late grandfather Prince Philip following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death on Friday 9th April.

In a statement issued through his foundation Archewell, Prince Harry praised his grandfather for his service, dedication and said how much he will be missed by the family.

Prince Harry said: “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 heart.

“Per Mare, Per Terram.”

Prince Harry ended his statement with the Latin phrase “Per Mare, Per Terram” which means “by sea, by land”. The phrase is the motto of the Royal Marines, which Prince Philip was involved with since 1953 when he became Captain General of the Royal Marines.

Prince William has also paid tribute to his grandfather. In a statement Prince William said how lucky he was to have the late Duke as a grandfather.

He also praised Prince Philip’s sense of humour and said he would continue to support the Queen in the years ahead.

Prince William said: “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.”

Featured image credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

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