Why Prince Philip was 'extremely fond' of Harry even until his death

In the weeks before Prince Philip's death, there were concerns about how he would react to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah interview.

The Duke of Edinburgh was in poor health and many of the couple's claims – especially Harry's – were controversial.

READ MORE: How to watch Prince Philip's funeral

But Philip and Harry shared a special bond before Harry quit the royal family in 2020, and Philip was "extremely fond" of his grandson even after he left the UK.

"[Philip] and Harry had a very close relationship," a source told Us Weekly.

"Whilst they may not have been able to communicate during the final year or so of his life, Philip thought extremely fondly of his grandson and vice versa."

Harry's decision to leave the royal family was nothing like Philip's long career in the monarchy, standing at the Queen's side for more than seven decades.

But royal experts have said that despite their different approaches, Philip cared deeply for Harry after he quit and relocated to the US.

Though it's unclear how much of Harry and Meghan's Oprah claims Philip was aware of, or how much of the fallout from the interview affected him, Harry still held a close place in his heart.

For Harry's part, he rushed to the UK immediately after hearing the news that his grandfather died on April 9, aged 99.

The Duke of Sussex has spent five days in isolation at Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, in order to attend Philip's funeral today.

He also shared tributes to his late grandfather online, writing that Philip was a "legend of banter and cheeky right 'til the end".

In a statement published on the Archewell Foundation website shortly after his brother Prince William released his own official tribute, Harry remembered Philip fondly.

"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 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.

"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."