If it’s a truce, it doesn’t look like much.
Prince Harry and Prince William released mourning statements Monday afternoon following the death of their grandfather last week, and Harry made a statement just 32 minutes after his brother left his.
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That the brothers could not coordinate a joint declaration or did not want to coordinate it does not bode well for the hopes of fraternal reconciliation in the coming days.
Harry and Meghan were criticized in some quarters for unilaterally posting a brief message of condolence on their website last week, before other senior family members spoke.
Although William’s statement today was intensely personal, focusing on his grandfather’s own memories, Harry tried to identify directly with the general public, referring to the coronavirus pandemic and drawing a parallel. between his grief and that of “many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparents to the pain of this past year.”
The statement of Prince William, who was accompanied on Twitter an adorable photograph of Prince George in a horse-drawn carriage with Philip, appeared to refer to the guidance and support his grandfather offered him after the death of his mother, Diana, in a 1997 car accident, saying : “I feel fortunate to have had his example to guide me, but his presence lasts until my adult life, both during the good times and on the hardest days.”
William said that “Philip’s century of life was defined by service to his country and to the Commonwealth, to his wife and to his queen and to our family.”
William testified to Philip’s “sense of contagious adventure, as well as his mischievous sense of humor,” and said he was grateful that Kate “had so many years to meet my grandfather and the kindness he gave her.” he showed, “and added: never take for granted the special memories my great-grandfather’s children will always have of coming to pick them up in their carriage.”
William’s statement concluded: “My grandfather was an extraordinary man and was part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have liked and will support The Queen for years to come. I will miss my grandfather, but I know he would like us to continue with the work ”.
Harry described his grandfather “as a man of service, honor and great humor.”
In language that seemed more Californian than British, Harry described his grandfather as “truly himself.”
He also seemed to be referring to the Duke’s tendency to make outrageous comments, saying, “You never knew what he might say next.”
Harry’s statement went on to say that while he would be remembered for his many official roles, “for me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or a grandfather to the pain of last year, he was my grandfather: barbecue master, joke legend and cheeky to the end.
“It has been a rock for Her Majesty the Queen with unprecedented devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and as long as she could continue, I know she would say to all of us right now, beer in hand:” Oh go on- hi! ‘
“So, grandfather, thank you for your service, your dedication to your grandmother and for always being yourself. She will miss you very much, but the nation and the world will always remember her. Meghan, Archie and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always have a special place for your heart. “
Harry signed his note with the phrase “By Mother, By Earth,” the Latin motto of the British Royal Marines.
Harry succeeded his grandfather as captain general of the Royal Marines in 2017. Philip had previously done the job for 64 years. Harry was forced to resign after 30 months as part of the terms of his exit from royal life.