A Message From The Duke of Cambridge Following The Death Of His Grandfather, The Duke Of Edinburgh

Apr 12, 2021 by apost team

The passing of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9, 2021, has left members of the royal family as well as ardent supports of the British monarchy in grief. The accomplished and celebrated consort to Queen Elizabeth will always remain one of the most endearing members of the royal family. 

Prince Philip retired from his royal duties in 2017 at the age of 95, removing himself from the public eye. Before stepping back, he was considered one of the busiest royals, having had more than 22,000 solo appearances, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. However, since his retirement, his health has deteriorated. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Less than a year later, Philip was also in a car accident, which led to him voluntarily relinquishing his license.

Just nine weeks ago, Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London on Feb. 16 on a precautionary basis since he reportedly felt unwell. Following his admission, the prince underwent surgery for a heart condition.

Buckingham Palace released a statement following his March 16 release from the hospital that called the procedure "successful." Unfortunately, his long life caught up with the Duke just a few weeks later. According to statements made by the family, his passing was peaceful.

Now, in the first official statement from Prince Philip's grandson, the Duke of Cambridge has released a moving message about his grandfather's incredible life. Touching on the work that he did and the legacy he's left behind, Prince William's statement also makes mention of Prince Philip's servitude to his wife, the Queen, the royal family, and his country and the Commonwealth.  

Ever since Prince Philip's passing on April 9 at 99 years of age, members of the royal family have shared their own official statements about him and his life, including from his children Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Edward. Now, Prince Philip's grandson, Prince William, has done the same. Released on the official Royal.uk website, as well as the official Kensington Royal Instagram account where the statement was accompanied by a heartwarming photo of Prince Philip sitting in a horse-drawn carriage with his great-grandson Prince George. The photo was credited as being taken by the Duchess of Cambridge. 

The Duke of Cambridge's statement begins, "My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family." It continues with a moving personal tribute from Prince William that touches on Prince Philip's influence on his own life, as well as his wife and childrens' lives.

"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. 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!" 

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Prince William ended his touching tribute by calling his grandfather "extraordinary" and commented on supporting the Queen as he had devoted his life to doing. It concluded by stating:

"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."

The Duke of Cambridge's moving message honors the great work Prince Philip has done in his lifetime, while also revealing some of the personal moments between the royals that the public is not often privy to. 

Following Prince Philip's death, his funeral is being organized and according to the BBC, it will be taking place on April 17. Due to the ongoing health crisis, only 30 close members of the family will be in attendance. The funeral will be televised but follow a simpler and more ceremonial script than previous state affair funerals of former British monarchs. Until the 17th, Great Britain has entered a state of national mourning.

Also taking part in the procession will be Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The somber event will mark the first time Prince Harry will be back on English soil after stepping down from the duties of a senior royal just a year ago, Metro reports. His wife Meghan Markle could not join him as the couple is expecting their second child soon. Due to Markle being heavily pregnant, she has been advised by doctors to not fly during this time. It is understood, however, that Markle had made every effort to join her husband until her doctors did not give her clearance as per the news outlet.  

What did you think of Prince William's touching tribute to his grandfather? If you found this moving, be sure to pass it on to those you know so they can hear about Prince Philip's extraordinary life too.