I feel lucky to have had his presence in my life ...through good times and the hardest days
Prince William’s moving tribute to his grandfather
THEY were strikingly different, but William and Harry’s tributes to Prince Philip both exuded pride and gratitude for a grandfather who had been their guiding light.
The grieving pair yesterday posted separate poignant statements honouring the huge role he played in helping them in bad times and good.
While the Duke of Cambridge yesterday focused on the influence he had on his own family, his brother spoke of Philip’s sharp wit, keen sense of fun and eye for mischief – which often sparked his infamous gaffes.
William told how his grandad steered him through the darkest days of losing his and Harry’s mum Princess Diana in 1997 when they were young.
He wrote: “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.”
William, 38, posted the message with a picture taken by Kate, 39, in 2015 of their two-year-old son Prince George riding alongside the Duke on
BOMBSHELL Couple on Oprah in March his carriage. He said Philip, who died aged 99 on Friday, was an “extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation”.
Just 30 minutes later, Harry, 36, posted his tribute on his and 39-year-old Meghan’s private Archewell website.
He described Philip as the “master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end”.
Harry, in what could be seen as a nod towards his own situation after quitting royal life, wrote: “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.”
The Duke also remembered those who “have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year” during the Covid pandemic when he spoke of his own grief.
But he suggested Philip would be shrugging his shoulders at his tribute.
Harry added: “While I could go on, I know he would say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!’”
A royal source told how the brothers credit Philip with the sense of adventure they enjoyed in their adolescence before going on to have distinguished military careers.
The insider said: “They were both so very fond of him and he was incredibly proud of the both of them. When they attended Sandhurst they both kept in regular contact with Philip to ask his advice constantly. The Duke was especially proud of their military careers after William went into the Royal Air Force and Harry serving gallantly in Afghanistan.
“But the brothers will fondly remember his infectious propensity for mischief at family celebrations.
Philip famously loved spending time outside, and he definitely passed on his enthusiasm for the great outdoors.”
Harry ended his tribute with the motto of the Royal Marines, Per Mare, Per Terram, meaning By Sea, By Land.
Details yesterday emerged of Philip’s view on Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit royal life. The Prince had to step down from all his military appointments.
Harry had only succeeded his grandfather as Captain General of the Royal Marines in 2017.
Philip’s friend, the writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, said: “Philip had done the job for 64 years.
“Harry had barely managed 30 months. The Duke of Edinburgh was not pleased.”
Brandreth claimed Philip called Harry and Meghan’s bombshell interview in March with Oprah Winfrey “madness”.
Harry arrived in the UK on Sunday to attend Philip’s funeral this weekend, without pregnant Meghan.
He will stay at his former residence, Frogmore Cottage at Windsor Castle.