Prince Harry pays heartfelt tribute to ‘legend of banter’ Prince Philip

Prince Harry has released a sweet statement following the death of his grandfather, Prince Philip.

• Prince Harry has released a statement following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9
• It comes as Prince William also shared a tribute to the brothers' later grandfather
• In other royal news, this is why Prince Harry can leave quarantine early to attend Prince Philip's funeral

The Duke of Sussex is now back in the UK ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, which will take place on Saturday April 17 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. It is thought that the Duke of Sussex will not wear a military uniform for the service.

His wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was advised by her doctor not to travel back for the ceremony as she is heavily pregnant with the couple's second child. 

The statement was released on Monday April 12, shortly after Prince William issued his own statement accompanied with a sweet photo of Prince Philip and Prince George. 

Prince Harry described his grandfather as "legend of banter" and "cheeky right 'til the end", as well as praising his commitment to the monarchy over the years.

"My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour," the statement reads. "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 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!’

"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 ended the statement with "Per Mare, Per Terram", which is Latin for "By Sea, By Land" and the motto of the Royal Marines. 

Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family at this extremely sad time.