A Personal Tribute: Prince Harry and Meghan’s Commemoration of Prince Philip

On March 9, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, released a heartfelt tribute to Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, on their Archewell website. This personal and affectionate message added a human touch to an otherwise somber moment in the royal family’s history. Below, we explore the context, significance, and details of their tribute.

The Tribute: A Lament for a Loved One

Prince Harry penned a deeply emotional statement that resonates with not only his personal grief but the loss felt by many. The statement, posted on their Archewell website, offers a poignant look into the deep bond between Grandpa Philip and his grandsons.

Statement from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex:

"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."

Harry goes on to highlight Philip’s multifaceted legacy, from his service in the Navy and the Army, to his role as Prince and Duke. However, it is the personal, heartfelt parts of the tribute that truly stand out:

"But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or a grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, cheeky right until the end."

Harry also mentions how Philip had been a constant pillar of support for the Queen, dedicating 73 years of marriage and unparalleled devotion to her. The statement concludes with a light-hearted and personal touch, reflecting on the final wishes of a loved one: "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."

The Context and Release Timing

The timing of the tribute is significant. Usually, the royal family often waits for a period of mourning before releasing such statements. However, Harry’s decision to release the tribute three days after the death of Prince Philip, on March 12, 2021, rather than earlier, has sparked discussions. Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward all released their tributes on a Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, respectively.

There have been speculations that some individuals may have been scandal-hungry, noting the quick release of the tributes as a way to 'weaponize' the death of Prince Philip to further their own agendas. However, Prince Harry ensured that the tribute was released with due respect and love, reflecting the deep personal connection he and Meghan had with their late grandfather.

Archewell Website: A Personal Space of Expression

The Archewell website plays a crucial role in Prince Harry and Meghan’s project of expressing personal views and initiatives. It was here that the tribute was posted, allowing their message to reach a global audience. The choice to publish on Archewell indicates a desire for a more personal and contemporary approach to sharing their thoughts and actions.

Note: While opinions are valid, it is important to remember that mourning and tributes to loved ones can be deeply personal and respectful reactions to loss. It’s best to offer support and empathy during such times.

In conclusion, Prince Harry and Meghan’s loving tribute to Prince Philip, released on their Archewell website, not only honored their close relationship but also provided a tender moment in a time of national mourning. This act of remembrance reflects the depth of family ties and the lasting impact of a beloved member of the royal family.