Prince Harry recounted how he learned about his grandfather Prince Philip's book in his book Spare. According to him, he first spoke about it with Queen Elizabeth.
Prince Harry Missed 32 Calls From Royal Family When Prince Philip Died
The royal family reached out to the Duke of Sussex when the Duke of Edinburgh passed away in 2021. According to him, he woke up with 32 missed calls before he had a "short, heart-racing" talk with Queen Elizabeth II about his grandfather Prince Philip's passing.
"Granny" has simply said on the phone: 'Harry's Grandpas' gone,' Prince Harry wrote, Express reported.
Prince Harry immediately flew to the United Kingdom to attend his funeral. He travelled alone and left his wife, Meghan Markle, at home because she was heavily pregnant with their second child, Lilibet, at the time.
While he was standing on the grounds of Frogmore gardens, waiting for his family, Prince Harry thought of his late grandfather as the gusts of wind reminded him of his "wintery demeanor" and his "icy sense of humor."
He recounted an incident when Prince Philip was asked about his beard, which had caused "concern in the family" and "controversy in the press." The late duke reportedly teased his grandson and said, "that's not a beard" because he did not have enough and smiled with a "devilish grin" across his face.
Prince Harry Paid Tribute To 'Cheeky' Grandpa Prince Philip
The Duke of Sussex took the time to remember and celebrate his grandfather's life. He described him as "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," the Duke of Sussex said in a statement published on his Archewell Foundation, CNN reported.
"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."
Prince Harry said his grandpa was his grandmother's rock. He also stood by her with unparalleled devotion for 73 years of marriage.
The Duke of Sussex said he had a lot of things to say but knowing his grandfather, he would tell them with a 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," Prince Harry added.
He concluded his message with the words "Per Mare, Per Terram", meaning "By Sea, By Land" in Latin – the motto for U.K.'s Royal Marines. Prince Philip served as Captain General of the Royal Marines after completing his naval service in 1953.
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