If this is a truce, it doesn’t look good.
Prince Harry and Prince William released dueling statements Monday afternoon after their grandfather’s death last week, with Harry making a statement just 32 minutes after his brother released her.
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The fact that the brothers could not or did not want to coordinate a joint declaration is not auspicious for the hopes of a fraternal reconciliation in the coming days.
Harry and Meghan were criticized in some quarters for unilaterally posting a short message of condolence on their website last week before other senior family members spoke.
While William’s statement today was intensely personal, focusing on his grandfather’s own memories, Harry sought to identify directly with the general public, referring to the coronavirus pandemic and drawing a parallel between mourning and that of “many of the you who have lost a loved one or grandfather to the pain of the last year. ”
The statement of Prince William, who was accompanied on Twitter by an adorable photo of Prince George on a horse-drawn carriage with Philip, seemed to refer to the guidance and support his grandfather gave him after the death of his mother, Diana, in a car accident in 1997, saying: “I feel lucky that I not only had his example to guide me, but his lasting presence until my own adult life – both in good times and in the hardest days ”.
William said that “Philip’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and the Commonwealth, his wife and queen and our family.”
William showed “Philip’s infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humor” and said he was grateful that Kate “had so many years to know my grandfather and the kindness he takes. show it, ”adding:“ You never take for granted the special memories that my children will always have of their great-grandfather coming to gather them in his chariot. ”
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 she wants and we will support the Queen in the years to come. I will miss my grandfather, but I know he would like us to continue. ”
Harry described his grandfather as “a man of service, honor and great humor.”
In a language that seemed more Californian than British, Harry described his grandfather as “authentic himself.”
He also seemed to refer to the duke’s tendency to make outrageous remarks, saying, “You never knew what he might say next.”
Harry’s statement went on to say that, although he would be remembered for his many official roles, “for me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandfather because of the pain of the past year, he was my grandfather: the master grill, the legend of stuttering and naughty to the end.
“He was a stone for Her Majesty the Queen, with unparalleled devotion, with her 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would tell us all, beer in hand,” Keep it up! ‘
“So, on this note, grandfather, thank you for your service, your dedication to your grandmother and for always being yourself. You will miss it very much, but always remembered – the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always have a special place for you in our hearts. ”
Harry signed his note with the phrase “Per Mare, Per Terram”, the Latin motto of the British Royal Navy.
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 conditions of his departure from royal life.