Prince Harry Pays Tribute To Prince Philip Upon Landing In The U.K. — But Return Home Reportedly Off To A Rocky Start
Prince Harry paid tribute to grandfather Prince Philip three days after the 99-year-old passed away on Friday, April 9.
On Monday, April 12, Harry praised the Duke of Edinburgh, sharing that he 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 candidly wrote in his statement.
Harry added that while Philip will be remembered by the world as "the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke," to Harry: "he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end."
In the emotional statement, Harry touched upon Philip's loving relationship with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II — the royals couple first met when Her Majesty was 13 and Philip was five years her senior.
"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,'” he continued. “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.”
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Harry — who returned home to the U.K. for the first time in over a year — concluded: "Meghan [Markle], Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts."
Harry didn't get the chance to say goodbye to his grandfather; however, he will be there to honor Philip at his funeral on Saturday, April 17. The soon to be father-of-two already reportedly arrived in the U.K., since he had to quarantine in order to attend the ceremony. Meghan won't be in attendance because she is pregnant and was advised by doctors not to travel, OK! reported.
The family's loss could serve as the perfect opportunity for Harry to reconcile with brother Prince William, 38, and dad Prince Charles, 72. However, The Royal Observer reported that his return is already off to a rocky start, as he won't be staying with either family member during his stay.
"He will be quarantined at Windsor Castle since they have a few spare rooms," the source dished. "Harry will not be staying with his brother or his father."
This is also the first time Harry is returning home since his and Meghan's controversial Oprah Winfrey interview last month. While speaking with the talk show titan, the 36-year-old claimed William and Charles are both "trapped" within the royal life.
During the Sunday, March 7, CBS special, Harry also confessed that his relationship with his older brother "is space at the moment. And time heals all things, hopefully."
