Prince Harry pays touching tribute to 'cheeky' Prince Philip as he arrives in the U.K.

On Monday, Prince Harry shared a statement honouring his grandfather, Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 on Friday at Windsor Castle and retired from public duties in 2017.

It reads, "My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. 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."

The statement continues, "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."

Prince Harry has been in the U.K. as of Sunday, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. His wife, Meghan Markle, is not joining him as she is pregnant with the couple's second child – a girl! – and was advised by her doctor not to travel at the moment.

This will be the first time the prince has been in the U.K. in a year, and the first time since his explosive interview with Markle and Oprah aired in March, in which he revealed his relationships with father Charles and brother William have been strained.

Prince William, too, shared his own statement on Monday in dedication to his grandfather, along with a never before seen photo of Philip in a carriage alongside Prince George.

William's statement reads, "My grandfather's century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family. 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 humour! 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 funeral for Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will be held on Saturday at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and will be broadcast live. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will be limited to 30 guests.

BEFORE YOU GO: Prince Philip dies at 99

[video_embed id='2178214']BEFORE YOU GO: Prince Philip dies at 99[/video_embed]