Prince Harry Says Prince Philip Was "Very Much a Listener"

A new documentary honoring Prince Philip's life and legacy—Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers—premiered on Wednesday, featuring many never-before-heard stories about the late Duke of Edinburgh. The royal consort's eldest son and his sons had plenty to say about the Prince, sharing a few unique memories. Prince Harry, for one, detailed his grandfather's response to his tour in Afghanistan.

Before Prince Harry was sent on his first tour in 2012, as a member of the Royal Air Force, Prince Philip's reaction was apparently quite characteristic of the Duke—unsentimental and to the point.

Per People, Harry said that Philip "was very matter of fact and just said, 'Make sure you come back alive.'"

When Harry returned from the Middle East, he noted that his conversations with his grandfather went along these same lines. He remarked, "There wasn't a deep level of discussion, more a case of, 'Well you made it. How was it?' That's how he was."

"He was very much a listener, he sort of set the scene for you to be able to share as much as you wanted to share but he would never probe," the Duke of Sussex added.

Prince William noted that the Duke of Edinburgh, even outside his grandson's involvement, consistently advocated for the British military. Philip was himself a veteran.

"He's always set a very good example about how we have to look after the welfare of the military and represent them and be there for them," said William, because Philip understood "the trials and tribulations that they all go through."

Prince Charles noted that his father's "matter of fact" nature extended through the end of his life. He also had a sense of humor. The Prince of Wales brought up one example, regarding plans for Philip's 100th birthday (the Duke would have turned 100 on June 10, 2021 but he passed away on April 9).

When Charles asking how Philip wanted to celebrate, the Duke said, sharply, "Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?"

Charles replied, in turn: "I knew you'd say that!"

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