Prince Charles thanks medical staff who cared for the Duke of Edinburgh

The Prince of Wales has thanked medical staff who cared for his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, at an NHS hospital shortly before his death.

Prince Charles, 72, privately met with members of the team, including a nurse, a consultant and a therapist, who cared for the Duke at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, where he was transferred for heart surgery in March.

Prince Philip, who died last month at the age of 99, spent four nights at St Barts, a leading cardiac unit, after being transferred from the private King Edward VII Hospital on March 1.

He underwent a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition, before being moved back to the King Edward VII.

The Prince’s meeting lasted around 10 minutes.

Professor Charles Knight, chief executive of St Barts, said: “It meant an enormous amount to us that he came to visit and also that he met those involved in his father’s care. We were just so honoured to have treated his father and it was wonderful to see the Prince of Wales today.

“It was particularly special that he got the opportunity to speak to some of our staff here.”

Meanwhile, the Prince said families like his own would have “an empty seat at their dinner table” in a video message marking the end of Ramadan.

He touched on the death of his father as he discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the recorded message.

He said: “The last year I know has been deeply challenging for us all, and I am only too aware of the impact of the pandemic on the Muslim community.

“This year so many families, like my own, will have an empty seat at their dinner table and friends are no longer able to share a celebratory hug after Eid prayers. I can only say how deeply saddened I am by this tragic situation and how my heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones.”

The message was delivered on Tuesday night at a virtual Iftar organised by the Naz Legacy Foundation, which also featured contributions from Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the Bishop of London and the Chief Rabbi.