Prince William and Prince Harry released separate statements giving tribute to their "grandpa" Prince Philip, who died peacefully in his sleep at 99 years old on April 9.
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex both mentioned how their grandfather worked hard to fulfill his duties to Queen Elizabeth and the United Kingdom. William and Harry also recalled the sense of humor and character of Prince Philip.
In a statement posted on the official royal family website and the Kensington Palace official social media accounts, William said that he will miss his grandpa but he knows Philip would want him to "get on with the job." The Duke of Cambridge also expressed how grateful he is that his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their children spent years with his grandfather.
Harry, on the other hand, said that his grandfather was authentic, sharp-witted and possessed a charm that could hold the room's attention. The Duke of Sussex said that Philip was their barbecue master and he was a "cheeky right 'til the end." As they are still in mourning, Harry said that his grandfather would likely tell them to "get on with it!" with a beer in hand.
The Duke of Sussex returned to London from California on Sunday, April 11, to pay his final respects to the Duke of Edinburgh. He was quite close to Philip and inherited his grandfather's ceremonial role as the Captain General of the Royal Marines in 2017 after Philip held this duty for 64 years. However, Harry had to give up this role in 2020, when he stepped back from his royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Gyles Brandreth, a royal biographer and friend, said that Philip wasn't particularly worried about Harry and Meghan's interview with Orpah Winfrey, which aired while he was in the hospital for heart surgery. Brandreth said that Philip saw how Harry and Meghan were preoccupied with their own problems but believes that "no good would come" out of their interview.
William, on the other hand, told the public in March that his grandfather was doing okay at the hospital. The Duke of Cambridge was also the only member of the royal family to speak out against accusations of racism that came out during Harry and Meghan's interview. The public believes that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were alluding to Philip in their racism claims. In a firm statement, William told the press that his family is not racist.
William and Harry will be reunited at the funeral of Prince Philip after one year. The brothers are expected to walk side-by-side behind their grandfather's coffin during the procession.
