Prince Philip: Princess Anne pays tribute to her late father as ‘my teacher, my supporter and my critic’

‘You know it’s going to happen but you are never really ready’ says princess royal

The Princess Royal has paid tribute to her father as “my teacher, my supporter and my critic’’ in a message following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death at the age of 99.

The Queen and Prince Philip’s only daughter said it was her father’s example of a “life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.”

Her tribute on Sunday followed earlier words from siblings Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, and a statement from Prince Charles on Saturday.

Princess Anne said: "I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been asked to follow in his footsteps and it has been a pleasure to have kept him in touch with their activities.

Alongside the message, posted on the royal Twitter account, is a picture of the princess and the Duke of Edinburgh laughing together at a sporting event.

She and her father shared a love of sport, particularly their passion for equestrianism.

Her message read: “You know it’s going to happen but you are never really ready.

“My father has been my teacher, my supporter and my critic, but mostly it is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.”

It continued: “His ability to treat every person as an individual in their own right with their own skills comes through all the organisations with which he was involved.

“I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been asked to follow in his footsteps and it has been a pleasure to have kept him in touch with their activities.

“I know how much he meant to them, in the UK, across the Commonwealth and in the wider world.”

She finished with the words: “I would like to emphasise how much the family appreciate the messages and memories of so many people whose lives he also touched.

“We will miss him but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all.”