Prince Philip: Tribute from Prince Charles was a message of thanks and sadness
Many people have described how the Duke of Edinburgh was an important supportive figure for his children and grandchildren.
Tuesday 13 April 2021 12:16, UK
From his eldest son it was the most touching tribute.
Spoken from the heart, without notes, a message of thanks and sadness, as the Prince of Wales remembered his "dear Papa".
For all of his years in the public eye, speaking on such personal matters hasn't always come naturally to Prince Charles, but as he stepped out of his home at Highgrove he was stepping up as the patriarch of the family to share with the world their genuine "loss and our sorrow".
Many people have described how the Duke of Edinburgh was an important supportive figure for his children and grandchildren.
At times that could be hard to imagine from a man who could be so brusque in public, but his steadying influence was confirmed as Prince Charles said: "My family and I miss my father enormously.
"He was a much-loved and appreciated figure."
It was also a chance for the family to say thanks for the all the messages of sympathy from around the world, condolences that the prince said would "sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time".
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At Windsor Castle, people have spontaneously gathered, wanting to pay their respects and leave flowers, in some ways putting the Royal Family in a difficult position because they don't want to do anything to encourage crowds during the pandemic.
That became clear as we were told about the scaled back funeral plans, with everyone being asked to watch it at home and not travel to Windsor.
But just as the prince has done with this first public message, the family will want to show their appreciation for the public support and we wait to see how they do that in the coming days.
Praising his father for his devoted service to the Queen, it is now Prince Charles and the rest of the family who will rally around her.
Watch live coverage of Prince Philip's ceremonial funeral service on Sky News, the website and app from 12.30pm on Saturday
Her Majesty is a resilient figure and she will have been prepared for this moment.
As the Countess of Wessex said to me after visiting on Saturday: "The Queen has been amazing."
But the comfort and support that the family can provide for the Queen and each other will be important for them all as they prepare for the funeral and what will be, even in these times of COVID-19, a very public farewell.