Meghan, Harry send Prince Philip cheeky birthday message

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have wished Prince Philip a happy 98th birthday, and they had an affectionate message for the senior royal.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have delighted royal followers by referring to Prince Philip as “grandpa” in sending him happy birthday wishes on social media as he turned 98.

Happy birthday, Grandpa! Picture: Instagram

“Wishing His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Sir, Grandpa a very Happy 98th Birthday!” Harry and Meghan said from their sussexroyal Instagram handle.

The Duke of Edinburgh turned 98 on Monday, with family members and royal fans all wishing the dad-of-four a happy birthday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex added their message of congratulations, posting a tribute on social media.

They uploaded two photos, one showing Prince Phillip smiling with Prince Harry, 34, and the other showing a young Queen dancing with her husband.

Harry and Megan uploaded this photo of a young Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip. Picture: Instagram

Their birthday message has been liked 184,000 times, with royal fans gushing over the Meghan and Prince Harry referring to Prince Phillip as “grandpa”.

Commenting on the post, one person said: “HRH! I love how Harry’s post is the only one that feels real by calling him grandpa.”

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry delighted their social media followers. Picture: Getty

Agreeing, this person said: “Sir Grandpa... how sweet!”

While a third added: “The cutest caption of royal posts.”

Kensington Royal, representing Prince William and Kate Middleton, also wished Prince Phillip a happy birthday, writing on Instagram: “Wishing a very Happy 98th Birthday to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh!”

Happy birthday wishes from kensingtonroyal, representing Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: Instagram.

To celebrate his birthday, News Corp Australia found what is believed to be the first ever photo taken of the Prince in the arms of his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, in 1921.

Prince Philip in his mother’s arms, Princess Alice of Battenberg. Picture: Royal Collection Trust

Prince Phillip – a grandfather of eight - recently become a great-grandpa for the eighth time, after Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed baby Archie in May.

Prince Philip welcoming his latest great-grandchild, Archie, son of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Picture: Getty