Duchess Camilla's kind words to Richard E. Grant after the heartbreaking loss of his wife

Duchess Camilla's kind words to Richard E. Grant were revealed by the actor, who tragically lost his wife Joan Washington to cancer on September 3, 2021.

• Duchess Camilla's kind words to Richard E. Grant were a touching tribute to his late wife Joan.
• The actor's wife of 35 years was a friend of both Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles.
• In other royal news, Queen pulls out of COP26 Climate change summit amidst ongoing health concerns

Richard revealed the heartfelt conversation that he had with the Duchess, who had a close friendship with his late wife. The interaction happened at a reception to thank those who supported her Reading Room initiative, and guests included members of the acting and writing world. 

Duchess Camilla’s childhood hobby was revealed when she launched the initiative and apart from reading, she also knows what it is to adore your partner. Previously, the Duchess of Cornwall shared a portrait of her 'idea of perfection' with an adorable nod to Prince Charles

The Withnail and I star shared that Duchess Camilla affectionately put an arm around him and said that Joan would be, "looking down" on Richard, her beloved husband of 35 years.

Richard spoke following the event and HELLO! reports that he said, "The Duchess knew my wife very well, who died last month. She was talking about her. She was very supportive."

Richard E. Grant's wife died aged 72, from lung cancer. Joan was a very well-known and respected vocal coach in the acting world. Stars including Dawn French paid tribute to the 'phenomenal woman,' after her passing.

She worked with countless stars and found herself often in the company of A-listers and, of course, royalty.

Joan fostered a close friendship with not only the Duchess but her husband Prince Charles too. As a matter of fact, Richard revealed that the Prince was one of the last visitors his wife had in her final days.

In a piece he wrote for the Daily Mail he opened up about the visit, sharing a sweet anecdote that showed their closeness and his wife's wicked sense of humor too.

"Prince Charles came to see 'The Colonel' [a nickname for his wife] last month," he said, "sat beside her, took her hand and said, 'It's been an absolute honor to have known you, Joan' to which she instantly quipped, 'I'm STILL here.' Which broke the ice and made all three of us cackle."

He finished the heartbreaking piece with the following lines. 

"Our loss is incalculable.

Your love is immeasurable.

The depth of our grief is mirrored by the magnitude of our love.

Goodbye Monkee-mine.

Do not forget us."