It’s no secret that Prince William looked up to his grandfather, considering him a role model and going so far as to call him a “legend” while giving Matt Smith advice about playing Prince Philip on The Crown. After the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on April 9, Prince William shared a touching tribute to his Instagram on April 12. “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family,” his caption began. “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.”
Along with his heartfelt words, William shared a never-before-seen photo of the late Prince Philip with his great-grandson Prince George, which was taken by Kate Middleton in 2015. “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,” the Duke of Cambridge continued. “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,” he shared. “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.”
