Prince Harry wore military medals that honored his connection to Prince Philip at his grandfather's funeral
Prince Harry made symbolic tributes to his grandfather Prince Philip at his funeral on Saturday.
The Duke of Sussex — who recently flew from California to London to attend the service at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel — honored the late Duke of Edinburgh by wearing military medals and providing a custom-made wreath that was placed upon his casket.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed to Insider that Harry wore his KCVO Neck Order and Star, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal as a nod to the experience of service in the British Armed Forces that he shared with his grandfather.
While Harry was made to give up his military honors when he stepped back as a working royal, he previously completed two tours of Afghanistan and was inspired by his service to create the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded servicemen and women.
Wearing his medals aimed to honor Prince Philip's life as a decorated Naval officer who served in World War II.
Harry also made reference to their shared experience of serving in the military in a statement sent to Insider, in which he shared a personal account of the grief he feels over losing his grandfather.
"My grandfather was a man of service, honor and great humor," the statement began. "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," it continued.
The statement ended with the Latin phrase "Per Mare, Per Terram," the official motto of the Royal Marines that translates to "By Sea, By Land."
While Harry's wife Meghan Markle, who is pregnant, was not cleared by her physician to fly to the UK for the funeral, the Duchess of Sussex sent a personal tribute.
Harry and Markle had a custom wreath made to be laid at Philip's funeral. The arrangement was designed and handmade by Willow Crossley who the couple has hired for a number of events including their wedding and Archie's christening.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed that they made a special request for the wreath to include Acanthus mollis, Bear's breeches, the national flower of Greece, to represent the Duke of Edinburgh's Greek heritage, and Eryngium, Sea Holly, as a nod to the Royal Marines. The wreath also included roses, the birth flower of June, the Duke of Edinburgh's birth month.
