Prince Harry and Prince William Just Released Statements About Prince Philip’s Passing

Following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday, April 9, two of his grandsons, Prince Harry and Prince William, have each posted a statement about how much Prince Philip meant to them as a grandfather.

“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,” wrote Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in a statement released to the media. “He was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.” 

Prince William, meanwhile, shared a message via his family’s Instagram account. “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service—to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family,” 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,” he continued. “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!”

Prince William then added, “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.”

Prince William and Prince Harry are both expected to attend Prince Philip’s funeral, which will be held on April 17. Multiple outlets are reporting Prince Harry has already arrived in the U.K.