Losing the person you called your prince feels impossible to put into words. Whether your prince was your partner, husband, boyfriend, chosen family member, or someone people literally titled prince, this guide gives you a clear path to write something true and readable. We explain terms you might not know, offer real examples you can adapt, and give delivery tips that actually help on the day. Read through, pick a template, and start writing with a little confidence.
We know how hard that can feel. You are sorting through precious memories, searching for the right words, and trying to hold it together when it is time to speak. It is a lot to carry.
That is why we created our Online Eulogy Writing Assistant. It gently walks you through the process of creating the perfect eulogy for your loved one that truly honors their legacy. → Find Out More
Quick Links to Useful Sections
- Who this guide is for
- What is a eulogy
- How long should a eulogy for your prince be
- Before you start writing
- Structure that works
- Writing the opening
- How to write the life sketch
- Anecdotes that matter
- Addressing complex relationships
- Using humor the right way
- What to avoid in a eulogy for your prince
- Full eulogy examples you can adapt
- Example 1: Loving partner, three to four minute version
- Example 2: Short modern eulogy under two minutes
- Example 3: Complicated relationship, honest and respectful
- Example 4: Celebration of life tone with humor
- Example 5: If he was literally a prince or had a ceremonial title
- Fill in the blank templates
- Practical tips for delivery
- When you want to cry while reading
- How to include readings, poems, or music
- Logistics and who to tell
- After the eulogy
- Recording the eulogy and privacy
- Glossary of useful terms and acronyms
- Frequently asked questions
Who this guide is for
This article is for anyone asked to speak about a man who mattered deeply to you and others. Maybe he was your romantic partner, maybe he was nicknamed prince because of his charm, or maybe he held a position with that title. You do not need to be a great public speaker. You just need a few honest memories and a short structure to hold them. There are full scripts for tender, funny, messy, regal, and short needs.
What is a eulogy
A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life to honor the person who died. It is personal, not a list of dates. Think of it as a guided memory. A eulogy is different from an obituary. An obituary is a written announcement that usually includes service details and basic facts. A eulogy tells a few stories and shares how this person mattered to you and to others.
Terms you might see
- Obituary A published notice about a death that usually includes biographical details and service information.
- Order of service The schedule for a funeral or memorial listing readings, music, and speakers. It is the event program.
- Pallbearer A person who helps carry the casket. They are often close relatives or friends.
- Celebration of life A less formal gathering that typically focuses on stories, photos, and memories rather than rituals.
- Officiant The person who leads the service. This might be a clergy person, celebrant, or friend chosen to guide the gathering.
- RSVP This stands for respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It appears on invites to ask people to confirm attendance.
How long should a eulogy for your prince be
Short and clear beats long and wandering. Aim for three to five minutes. That is about four hundred to six hundred spoken words. If many people will speak, aim shorter. A compact, honest tribute is often more memorable than a long speech that tries to cover everything.
Before you start writing
Grief makes everything harder. Use this quick plan to make writing less overwhelming.
- Ask about timing Check with family or the officiant how long you are expected to speak and where your eulogy fits in the order of service.
- Choose the tone Do you want solemn, celebratory, funny, or a mix? Match the tone to who your prince was and what the family prefers.
- Collect memories Ask close friends, siblings, or coworkers for one memory each. Gather nicknames, odd habits, jobs, and favorite songs or meals.
- Pick three focus points Choose three things you want listeners to remember. Three gives shape and keeps you from spilling into a biography.
- Decide logistics Will you read from paper, cards, or a phone? Do you need a microphone? Bring a printed backup.
Structure that works
Use a simple shape to hold your words. You can write more and edit down later.
- Opening Say your name and your relationship to the deceased. Offer one sentence that sets the tone.
- Life sketch Give a short overview: where he came from, what he did, and the roles he played.
- Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that reveal character. Keep them specific and sensory.
- Traits and lessons Sum up what he taught people or what people will miss.
- Closing Offer a goodbye line, a short poem excerpt, or an invitation to share a memory after the service.
Writing the opening
The opening buys you a calm breath. Keep it simple. Start with your name and your connection. Then say one small true thing about him.
Opening examples
- Good morning. I am Maya and I was Daniel s partner. Today we are here to remember how he made ordinary days feel epic.
- Hi everyone. I am Trevor. I am Ben s brother. Ben called himself a prince because he believed in chivalry and coffee at six in the morning.
- Hello. I am Jordan, his friend of fifteen years. He loved loud guitars and soft jokes. I want to share two moments that show exactly who he was.
How to write the life sketch
The life sketch does not have to be a timeline. Pick the facts that matter for the story you want to tell. Mention roles like son, partner, dad, artist, soldier, barista, or community volunteer. Keep it brief and human.
Life sketch templates
- [Name] grew up in [place]. He worked as a [job] and loved [hobby]. He was a partner to [name], a parent to [names], and a friend to many who admired his [trait].
- [Name] served in [branch or community role]. He collected [hobby item]. He always had a spare charger and a ready joke.
Anecdotes that matter
Stories stick. Pick one or two memories that show a trait. Keep each story short with a clear payoff about what it reveals.
Examples of short anecdotes
- When we first moved in together he insisted on building a chair from scratch because the one in the shop did not have character. It took two Saturdays and a lot of swear words but we still sit in that wonky chair and tell new people how he made it.
- At his last birthday he invited the whole neighborhood and baked a cake using a recipe he said was top secret. He called it his crown cake and we laughed while he pretended it was edible for everyone.
- He drove across the city at midnight to fix a friend s radiator. He always showed up in small dramatic ways that felt like rescue missions.
Addressing complex relationships
Relationships are rarely perfect. If your relationship with him was complicated you can be honest and kind. You do not need to air everything. Acknowledge complexity and lean into the truth you can hold publicly.
Examples for complicated relationships
- We had hard years and softer ones. He made mistakes and he tried to learn from them. In the end we found a quieter understanding and I am grateful for that space.
- He could be stubborn and blunt. Those things also made him loyal and honest in ways I grew to treasure.
- Our relationship was messy but real. What I will remember most is the way he would call at dawn to tell me about a sunrise he was sure I needed to see.
Using humor the right way
Humor can create relief. Use small jokes that come from real stories. Avoid humor that could embarrass someone present or turn grief into a roast. Test any risky jokes with a trusted family member first.
Safe humor examples
- He had a magnetic relationship with bad puns. We called him the king of groans and he wore that crown proudly.
- If you visited his kitchen you learned two rules. Rule one was always take the last chip. Rule two was never question the microwave s wisdom.
What to avoid in a eulogy for your prince
- Avoid turning your speech into a family argument or therapy session. The service is not the place to resolve ongoing disputes.
- Avoid private grievances that would hurt people present. You can acknowledge difficulty without naming every pain.
- Avoid listing achievements without context. People remember stories more than resumes.
- Avoid clichés unless you quickly follow them with specifics that make them true.
Full eulogy examples you can adapt
Below are complete examples that follow the structure above. Replace bracketed text with your details. Read them out loud and edit to make them sound like you.
Example 1: Loving partner, three to four minute version
Good morning. My name is Elena and I was Mark s partner of seven years. Mark had a way of making our small apartment feel like a fortress of terrible records and better coffee. He worked as a chef and cooked like he was telling a story with thyme and garlic. He did not like small talk but he loved long conversations about nothing and everything.
One small story that captures him is how he handled rainy Mondays. He refused to let the weather decide the mood. He would brew a pot of coffee, play a song he loved, and announce it was time for a living room picnic. We would eat toast on mismatched plates and feel like the world had not closed after all.
He taught me to show up, even when things were boring. He taught me to apologize quickly and to forgive faster. He gave his time like it was the most valuable ingredient he had. I will miss his laugh that started in his chest and ended in his eyes. Thank you for being here and for holding our memories with us.
Example 2: Short modern eulogy under two minutes
Hi everyone. I am Josh and I am David s friend since college. Dave loved sneakers, late night tacos, and pretending he could fix anything with duct tape and willpower. He had this ridiculous confidence that made others believe they could do more than they thought. We will miss the way he cheered at our small wins and the way he made pizza nights feel like an event. Thank you for being here.
Example 3: Complicated relationship, honest and respectful
Hello. My name is Priya. My relationship with Arun was full of learning. He could be impulsive and that sometimes hurt the people who loved him. He could also be wildly generous without announcement. In the last year he worked hard to be present and we had some of the warmest conversations of our life together. I am grateful for the good parts and I am carrying the lessons. I will miss him more than I can say and I hope we can all remember both his flaws and his bright parts with kindness.
Example 4: Celebration of life tone with humor
Hi, I am Marcus, his cousin. If you met Leo you probably left with a story and a new playlist. He kept socks that did not match and a laugh that sounded like a full band tuning up. His house was open to anyone who needed a couch and a movie recommendation. Rule number one at Leo s place was eat the snacks before he did. Rule number two was do not challenge him to a movie trivia face off unless you were ready to lose. Today we celebrate the noise, the music, and the giant messy heart he left in every room he entered.
Example 5: If he was literally a prince or had a ceremonial title
Good afternoon. I am Isabel and I served in the community gardens with Prince Rafael for nearly a decade. To call him royal was to say he had a special place for ceremony and for listening. He did not sit above people. He listened in lines at the bakery and he remembered names. He used his title to remind people they mattered. One time he showed up to sweep after a local festival because he said the town should not have to clean up after itself alone. That sort of humility stayed with me.
Fill in the blank templates
Fill these out and then edit to sound like you. Practice aloud and trim anything that feels forced.
Template A: Classic short
My name is [Your Name]. I was [Name s] [partner husband boyfriend friend]. [Name] was from [place]. He worked as a [job] and loved [hobby]. One memory that shows who he was is [brief story]. He taught me [value or lesson]. We will miss [what people will miss]. Thank you for being here and supporting our family.
Template B: For complicated relationships
My name is [Your Name]. My relationship with [Name] was complicated. We had hard times and better times. One thing I can say for sure is [true thing]. In the last [months years] we [reconciled spent more time shared quiet mornings]. If I could say one thing to him now it would be [short line you wish you could say].
Template C: Light and funny with sincerity
Hi. I am [Your Name]. To know [Name] was to know that he loved [quirky habit]. He also made sure we learned [practical life skill]. My favorite memory is [funny small story]. Even when he made a joke he tended to mean it. He made us laugh and he made us better at [small domestic skill]. I will miss his jokes and his one of a kind playlist. Thank you.
Practical tips for delivery
Speaking while grieving is hard. These practical tactics keep you steady.
- Print your speech Use large font on paper. Phones can work but paper is less likely to fail at an emotional moment.
- Use cue cards Index cards with a line or two on each card help you keep place and breathe between beats.
- Mark pauses Note where to breathe or where to let a laugh land. Pauses give you space to reset.
- Practice out loud Read to a friend, to the mirror, or into a phone recorder. Practice familiarizes your mouth with the words.
- Bring tissues Or a handkerchief. Tears are normal. If you stop, breathe and continue. People will wait.
- Ask for a backup If you are worried you will not finish, arrange for a friend or family member to introduce you and to be ready to step in with one or two lines if needed.
- Mic technique Keep the microphone a few inches from your mouth and speak clearly. If there is no mic speak slowly and project to the back row.
When you want to cry while reading
If tears come that is fine. Pause, breathe, look down at your notes, and continue. If your voice breaks slow down. Saying fewer words more slowly is often more powerful. You are allowed to be human in that room.
How to include readings, poems, or music
Short readings work best. Choose a two to four line excerpt rather than a long poem unless the family wants a full reading. Music can be a recorded track or live. Pick songs he loved or songs that match the tone. Place music where it supports the speech for example before you speak or as a short interlude after a powerful line.
Music tips
- Ask the officiant or venue about recorded tracks and how to queue them.
- Keep songs short and relevant. Instrumental pieces work well for transitions.
- If a song is very personal confirm the family is comfortable with it being public.
Logistics and who to tell
- Tell the funeral director if you need a mic or speakers and if you will hand out printed copies.
- Confirm with the officiant where you will stand and how long you may speak.
- Give a copy of your speech to the person running the program so they can include it in printed materials if desired.
After the eulogy
People will often ask for a copy. Offer to email it or to include it in a memory book. Families sometimes request the text for a printed program. You can also record the audio and share it privately with those who could not attend. Ask permission before posting anything publicly.
Recording the eulogy and privacy
Check with the family before posting a recording online. Some families prefer privacy. If you share a recording include a short note about who may access it and how people can send condolences or memorial donations if requested.
Glossary of useful terms and acronyms
- Eulogy A speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who has died.
- Obituary A written notice announcing a death and usually including service details.
- Order of service The schedule for the funeral that lists the sequence of events.
- Pallbearer Someone chosen to carry the casket. Usually a close friend or relative.
- Celebration of life A less formal gathering focused on sharing stories, photos, and memories.
- Officiant The person leading the service. Could be clergy, a celebrant, or a friend.
- RSVP Stands for respond s il vous plait which means please respond. Used on invitations so hosts can plan numbers.
- Probate A legal term for the process that manages and distributes a person s estate after they die. Not usually part of the eulogy but useful to know.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a eulogy if I am nervous
Begin with your name and your relationship to the deceased. A short opening like Hello my name is [Your Name] and I was [Name s] partner gives the audience context and buys you a breath. Practice that opening until it feels familiar. It will steady you at the microphone.
What if I forget my place or start crying
Pause, breathe, and look at your notes. If you need a moment take it. People will wait. If you cannot continue have a designated person ready to finish a line or two. Many speakers keep their remarks short so someone else can offer a closing thought if needed.
Should I include religious language if the family is not religious
Only if it was meaningful to the person who died or to the family. If religion was not central choose secular language that honors values and memories instead. A short poem or a personal sentence often carries more weight than formal prayer for a non religious audience.
How do I balance humor and respect
Use humor that is rooted in a real story that reveals character. Avoid jokes that might embarrass the deceased or upset family members. Follow a joke with a sincere line to reconnect the tone. Humor can open hearts but should not deflect from grief.
Can I read the eulogy from my phone
Yes you can but make sure the device will not ring and that the screen is bright enough in the venue. Many people prefer paper or printed index cards because they are easier to handle when emotions run high.
How long should a eulogy be if many people are speaking
If multiple people are speaking aim for two to three minutes each. Coordinate with family or the officiant so the service stays on schedule. Shorter speeches are often more memorable and easier to deliver while grieving.
What if he had a public life like being a literal prince
If the person had a public role be mindful of how much private detail is appropriate. Celebrate the ways he used his position for good, share brief stories that show his humanity, and check with the family about anything that might be sensitive to public audiences.
Should I give a copy of the eulogy to the funeral home or officiant
Yes. Providing a copy helps the officiant and the person running the service stay on schedule and makes it easy to include the text in programs or memory books.