Prince Charles says his family has an 'empty seat at their dinner table' in poignant tribute to dad Prince Phillip

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By VT

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Prince Charles has paid tribute to his late father Prince Philip and said his family has an "empty seat at their dinner table".

The first in line to the British throne, 72, recorded a message to mark the end of Ramadan this Wednesday, May 12, and said his family, like many, will have an empty seat at their dinner table this year.

Charles recorded the message for a virtual Iftar, the breaking of the fast, and used it as an opportunity to highlight the devastating impact that Covid-19 has had on families.

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."

Listen to the future king's tribute below: 

Prince Charles continued: "This year so many families, like my own, will have an empty seat at their dinner table and friends will no longer be able to share the 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 Naz Legacy Foundation organized Prince Charles' appearance, and it will be featured alongside contributions from Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the Bishop of London, and the Chief Rabbi.

The online event was created to encourage people to stay at home throughout Ramadan, despite lockdown measures easing in the UK.

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Credit: Alamy / Brian Harris

Prince Philip passed away on April 9 at the age of 99, having been married to the Queen for 73 years.

He was later laid to rest at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17.

The ceremony was subject to Covid-19 restrictions and had just 30 guests, including the Queen, who sat alone while wearing a black mask.

Per the Daily Mail, other attendees included the Duchess of Cornwall, Philip's grandchildren, and their spouses, as well as Princess Margaret's children and three of Philip's German relatives - Bernhard, the Hereditary Prince of Baden; Donatus, Prince, and Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.

Featured image credit: Alamy / PA Images