Prince Philip wouldn't have known Archie unlike William's kids even if he lived longer, says expert: 'Great shame'
Prince Philip died at the age of 99 on April 9, depriving the royal family, especially his great-grandchildren of his company and wisdom. But the little quality time that the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton managed to spend with the Duke of Edinburgh was a cherishable memory that the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was not able to enjoy because of the couple's decision to move away from England.
Archie, the son of Harry and Meghan, moved out of his birthplace and across the sea when he was less than a year old after his parents jointly decided to step down from their roles as the senior members of the monarchy. As a result, even if Prince Philip were to live for a few more years, Archie would not have gotten to spend much time with his great-grandfather as the formerly royal couple does not seem to have any plans to move back to England any time soon. While Harry has flown to the United Kingdom, it is only to attend Philip's funeral, while a heavily pregnant Meghan stays behind with Archie in their California home.
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'Prince Philip would have never have got to know Archie'
Carole Malone, English TV presenter, journalist, and broadcaster, called this arrangement a "great shame" as she compared the privilege that Archie missed out on with what Prince George and Charlotte got to have till the last days of the duke. She told Channel 5: "What I thought was interesting and a bit said was William talks about how his kids got to know their grandfather and how proud he was of that. By contrast, Harry's kids never would have even if he had lived a bit longer. Even if he had lived for the next five years, he would have never have got to know Archie and he would certainly have never got to know Harry's soon-to-be born daughter. I think that is a great shame."
She then proceeded to compare Willaim and Harry's statements following the passing of Prince Philip. She continued: "I thought [Prince William's] was a more grown-up statement. Harry is talking about barbecues and whatever because that is all he has got really. He is not part of it anymore. William is talking about his kids and their granddad and he is talking about carrying on the great work and respecting his grandfather which I think is a much more grown-up kind of statement."
Harry's tribute to Prince Philip
In a statement issued through his foundation Archewell, Prince Harry said: "My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor. 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 added: "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. 'Per Mare, Per Terram.'"