Prince Harry found himself in a heart-wrenching situation in April 2021, as he missed 32 calls from the Royal Family informing him of his grandfather Prince Philip's death. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on April 9, just shy of his 100th birthday. In his memoir, "Spare," Harry recounts the chilling moment when he finally learned of the tragic news from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke of Sussex, who now resides in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, was oblivious to the unfolding events back in the UK. "I woke up to a staggering 32 missed calls and then had a short, heart-racing talk with my grandmother," Harry wrote. The Queen broke the news with a simple yet devastating message: "Harry... grandfather has passed away."
The communication mishap added another layer of sadness to an already difficult period for the Royal Family. As Harry prepared to return to the UK for the funeral, the world watched with bated breath. His return marked a poignant moment, capturing global headlines and spotlighting the strained relations within the Royal Family.
In a heartfelt tribute following Prince Philip's death, Harry praised his grandfather as the "legend of banter," highlighting his sharp wit and charm. "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," Harry said. He expressed gratitude for Philip's dedication to the Queen and their 73-year marriage, emphasizing the personal loss felt by many who had lost loved ones during the pandemic.
The funeral procession to St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle saw Harry walking behind his grandfather's coffin alongside his brother, Prince William, and cousin, Peter Phillips. The sight of the two brothers separated by Phillips sparked widespread speculation about the state of their relationship. Buckingham Palace quickly dismissed any notion of family tension, stating, "This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty's wishes."
Prince Philip had meticulously planned his own farewell, right down to the custom Land Rover hearse that carried him on his final journey. His affinity for Land Rovers was well-known, and he had granted his Royal Warrant to the brand over 40 years ago.
Reflecting on the funeral, Harry described his solitary moments at Frogmore Gardens as a time of deep personal reflection. "It was so sad to think that Frogmore Cottage was supposed to be Meghan and my home for life," he noted, alluding to the couple's decision to step down as working royals in 2020.
The incident underscored the communication challenges and emotional tolls faced by Harry and the Royal Family. Despite the geographical and emotional distance, Harry's commitment to honoring his grandfather's legacy was evident in his public statements and actions during the mourning period.
The mishap of the 32 missed calls symbolizes more than just a communication failure; it represents the broader complexities and strains within the Royal Family. As Harry continues to navigate his new life in the United States, the echoes of his royal duties and the ties to his family remain ever-present.