The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Grandsons share their memories of late duke
The Duke of Edinburgh’s service to Queen, country and his family has been praised by his grandsons who spoke warmly of Philip’s humour and kindness to others.
The Duke of Cambridge described the duke as an “extraordinary man” while the Duke of Sussex said he was “a rock for Her Majesty the Queen with unparalleled devotion”.
The royal brothers are the first of Philip’s grandchildren to publicly honour his memory, and Harry lightheartedly summed him up as “master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end”.
William spoke candidly about Philip’s relationship with Kate and expressed his gratitude for the “kindness he showed her”.
He also highlighted the special bond between the duke and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who would have “special memories” of being picked up in a horsedrawn carriage by their “great-grandpa”.
William pledged to uphold his grandfather’s wishes and continue, along with wife Kate, to support the Queen and “get on with the job”.
Over the weekend Philip’s four children spoke movingly about the loss of their father and how the Queen was being very “stoic” after losing her husband of 73 years, who died peacefully on Friday.
William said about Philip: “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.”
Philip and the Queen provided a safe haven for William and Harry in the days following the death of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, as they grieved at their grandmother’s royal residence, Balmoral, in 1997.
It is said the duke later suggested William and Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin with him and other senior royals as the funeral cortege made its way through the streets of London.
William added: “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 greatgrandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour.”
Kensington Palace tweeted the duke’s statement together with a touching new photograph taken in 2015 of a two-yearold young George with his great-grandfather Philip.
George, a future King, was pictured holding a book and sat by Philip’s side on the box seat of a carriage, as the duke held the reins and a whip.
William said: “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.”
A statement released on behalf of Harry, now reported to have arrived in the UK ahead of the funeral, 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 hearts.”
Harry is entitled to attend his grandfather’s funeral due to a provision in the law that allows mourners to leave quarantine on “compassionate” grounds.
The palace confirmed on Saturday the duke would be making the journey, although Meghan – who is heavily pregnant with their second child – was advised against flying.
It is understood Harry will be following all procedures to ensure he complies with Covid-19 regulations.
As his grandfather’s funeral is due to take place on Saturday, he will not have time to complete the quarantine period.
The rules, however, do allow a person to temporarily leave their place of quarantine on compassionate grounds – which includes funerals.
Guidance published on the government’s website states: “You can leave your place of self-isolation in limited circumstances, including on compassionate grounds.
“Master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right ’til the end
“This includes attending a funeral of a household member, a close family member or a friend (if neither household member or close family member can attend the funeral).”
It adds: “You must continue to self-isolate at all other times.”
Harry had to return a negative coronavirus test result in the three days before travel, and completed a passenger locator form with details of where he will be spending his quarantine.
He would also have had to book a travel test package, which involves two tests – one to be taken on or before the second day of his quarantine, and the second on or after his eighth day of quarantine.
Harry could also participate in the “Test to Release” scheme.
Under the scheme, if he pays for a private test from an approved supplier five days into quarantine, he may be free to leave if the result is negative. Tests cost about £130.
If Harry were to break the quarantine rules, he risks a penalty of up to £10,000, and if he fails to take the tests on days two and eight, he could be fined a maximum of £2,000.