'I am deeply sorry': Prince Philip issues emotional apology to victim of car crash

Prince Philip has sent a heartfelt apology letter to one of the women involved in his recent car crash in Norfolk, near the Queen's Sandringham estate.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, was part of a collision with another vehicle, a Kia, last week - which left the driver of the car, Emma Fairweather, with a broken wrist.

There was also another women in the car, and a 10-month old baby, both of whom escaped without major injuries.

In the ensuing days since the accident, Emma revealed to various news outlets that she had not heard from Philip or anyone at the palace. Later, she received a voicemail from the Queen's lady-in-waiting, sending the royal couple's "warmest good wishes".

But now, the Duke himself has taken steps to apologise for his part in the scary accident, with a letter addressed from Sandringham House, posted to Emma's home in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

He wrote, 'I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident at the Babingley cross-roads.

'I have been across that crossing any number of times and I know very well the amount of traffic that uses that main road.

'It was a bright sunny day and at about three in the afternoon, the sun was low over the Wash. In other words, the sun was shining low over the main road. In normal conditions I would have no difficulty in seeing traffic coming from the Dersingham direction, but I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences.'

Revealing his own reaction in the aftermath of the crash, he continued, 'I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured.

(The junction where Prince Philip was involved in a car crash, King's Lynn, Norfolk)

'As a crowd was beginning to gather, I was advised to return to Sandringham House by a local Police Officer. I have since learned that you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury.'

Philip then finished the letter by saying, 'I wish you a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience.'

The note also included his signature, and a handwritten scrawl addressing it to Emma. Since receiving the letter over the weekend, Emma revealed that she was happy the Duke had finally been in touch.

She told the Mirror, “I thought it was really nice that he signed off as ‘Philip’ and not the formal title. I was pleasantly surprised because of the personalised nature.

“A lot of people said it was unrealistic that I wanted that human kindness from Prince Philip – which is what I saw this letter as.”

However, she did point out that there are some parts she doesn't totally agree with. Referencing Philip's explanation that the sun dazzled him, she revealed that she remembers the day as being overcast and dark.

Emma said, "He’s tried to give an explanation so I appreciate that, whether I agree with it or not."