Did William take a dig at Harry? His tribute to Prince Philip speaks of family, duty and has deeper meaning
Both Prince Harry and Prince William have given out statements about their grandfather Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99. While both honored the Duke of Edinburgh, William’s statement possibly took a dig at his own brother.
Harry said in his statement: "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." On the other hand, William spoke about 'family'.
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William’s subtle and not-so-subtle dig
“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 wrote. “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 humor!” he continued.
He concluded with, “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 words “life was defined by service” and “family” could very well be about Harry. On January 8, 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to "step back as 'senior' members" of the royal family, split their time between the UK and North America, and become financially independent. Last month, during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry explained his reasons for leaving the royal family was due to a “lack of support and lack of understanding.”
The Oprah interview was a big landmark in the brothers’ relationship. William was reported to not be pleased with his brother and sister-in-law, who also mentioned William's wife, Kate, during the interview. "William is struggling to hold back," shared a source close to the Cambridges. "He wants to get his side out there."
But the real sucker punch in the statement was, “Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead.” To single themselves out specifically as duty-bound to the family and the Queen, William’s statement gives off the impression that Harry and Meghan are not doing so.
While Harry is attending Philip’s funeral on April 17, Meghan will not be there owing to her pregnancy — her doctor asked her to avoid the flight to England.