The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have made their first joint public appearance since the death of Prince Philip, reading cards left on floral tributes for the duke at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences.

Charles and Camilla visited Marlborough House in central London – home of the Commonwealth – where flowers left at the palace are taken each evening.

The couple were pictured stopping to look at some of the bouquets, many of which carried emotional comments.

Items left include a model of a Land Rover similar to the one that will bear the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin on Saturday, with “The Duke R.I.P” on the roof.

Next to it, a card from “Marian & Marum” read: “Your memory will never fade. Rest in Peace.”

Another said: “Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You are in our prayers.”

A further one added: “HRH A True Gentleman. Thank you for your devoted service to our country. We shall miss you.”

Some of the notes have been written directly to the Queen. One said: “Sending our love and condolences on the loss of your beloved Prince Philip, yours always, love Layla, Lis and Neil xxxx.”

Another quoted Her Majesty’s well-known comment about her husband, saying: “We are so sorry for your profound loss. Your Majesty’s ‘strength and stay’ will endure in our hearts always.”

Speaking at the weekend, Prince Charles paid tribute to his “dear Papa”, who he said was a “very special person”.

The Earl of Wessex, meanwhile, has thanked those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for sharing their memories of his father and experiences of the scheme.

“He may have departed this world, but his spirit and ethos lives on through his award, through each and every life touched, transformed, inspired – then, now and in the future,” Edward said.

Marlborough House, just off The Mall, is a fitting place for the flowers to be taken, given that Philip undertook more than 220 solo visits to Commonwealth countries between 1949 and 2016, and many more alongside the Queen.

Earlier, it emerged that members of the Royal Family will break with tradition and not wear military uniform at the duke’s funeral this weekend.

Prince Harry faced being one of the only close relatives not in uniform – despite serving with the Army in Afghanistan – because he lost his honorary titles when he quit royal duties.

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