Prince Harry is back in London to attend his grandfather’s funeral next weekend.
The Duke of Sussex arrived in London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday (April 11) and will be quarantining in accordance with coronavirus guidelines so that he can attend the ceremonial funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday (April 17).
His wife, Meghan Markle, and their son Archie, stayed behind in their home in Montecito, California. According to a royal spokesperson, the duchess, who is far along in her pregnancy with their second child, “has been advised by her physician not to travel.”
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away on Friday (April 9), at the age of 99. He is lying at rest at a private chapel at Windsor Castle. His funeral is set for Saturday (April 17) at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. While the service is closed to the public – in accordance to coronavirus restrictions, guests are limited to a maximum of 30 – it will be broadcast live.
“While there is sadness that the public will not be able to physically be part of events to commemorate the life of the duke, the royal family asks that anyone wishing to express their condolences do so in the safest way possible and not by visiting Windsor or any other royal palaces to pay their respects,″ the palace spokesman said. “The family’s wish is very much that people continue to follow the guidelines to keep themselves and others safe.″
Members of the Royal Family have since remembered Prince Philip with touching tributes.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were married for 73 years – he was the longest-serving consort in British history. According to their son, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, his mother has talked about his father’s passing, describing at as “having left a huge void in her life.” He also told media, “I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother who is feeling it probably more than anybody else.”
Prince Andrew remembered his father fondly, saying, “He was a remarkable man, I loved him as a father. He was so calm. If you had a problem he would think about it. He was always someone you could go to.”
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the Queen and Prince Philip’s youngest son, told media, “However much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this, it’s still a dreadful shock and we’re still trying to come to terms with that and it’s very, very sad.”
His wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, shared that Prince Philip “always exchanged words with everybody” in and around the royal estates, adding, “They all meant a lot to him, and he always took a very personal interest in everything that they were doing. So they all have got stories to tell him. Most of them are quite funny as well.”
Princess Anne, the Queen and Prince Philip’s only daughter, paid tribute to her father, whom she described as her “teacher,” “supporter,” and “critic.”
“His ability to treat every person as an individual in their own right with their own skills comes through all the organisations with which he was involved,” she said in a statement Sunday. “We will miss him but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all.”
“You know it’s going to happen but you are never really ready,” the princess added.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute to his grandfather. “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 began.
“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. 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,” he continued. “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!”
“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation,” he added. “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 Harry, Duke of Sussex, also honored his grandfather in a statement. “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,” his message began. “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!'” Prince Harry added. “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.”
He concluded his message with “Per Mare, Per Terram,” a Latin term used by the British Marines that means, “By Sea, By Land.”
