Will’s sweet tribute to Prince Philip ​

Prince William has shared a heartwarming tribute to the “extraordinary” Prince Philip, recalling the Duke of Edinburgh’s close bond with Kate and their children.

“My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family,” the Duke of Cambridge said in his first statement on Philip’s death.

“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.”
 

"My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation."

A message from The Duke of Cambridge following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh: https://t.co/lVCSPrG7uG pic.twitter.com/atiB8djxPO

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 12, 2021

William said he was grateful the Duchess of Cambridge had got to know Philip so well and that their children — George, Charlotte and Louis — had made “special memories” of his “mischievous” sense of humour.

“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!

“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 and Duchess of Cambridge had earlier simply shared the official statement about Prince Philip’s death, which said that: “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

More to come