The light was in my eyes ..I was shaken
What Duke told Emma in official Sandringham note
THE Duke of Edinburgh has blamed his road crash on bright winter sun and revealed he simply “failed to see” the other car.
He made the admission in a signed letter sent to Emma Fairweather, who was in Kia in collision with his 4x4.
In his note – written a day after the Sunday Mirror revealed he had NOT been in touch with Emma – the Duke said he was “shaken” by the collision.
The typed 181-word message finally arrived six days after the smash and was signed “Yours sincerely, Philip” – in blue pen.
Emma, 46, said: “When I opened it I saw the Sandringham House headed paper and went ‘Oh my God!’
“He asked how I was and said sorry that I was in pain. I was chuffed.
“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.”
The note, thought to have been hand-delivered to Emma’s home in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, is dated January 21, four days after the crash. Emma received it on January 23.
SHINING
The letter, in full, says: “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.
“I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured. 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.
“I wish you a speedy recovery from a very distressing experience.”
Emma, a care support worker, was left in crippling pain after the crash. She has been signed off for two months and has instructed solicitors to pursue a compensation claim. The Kia was driven by her friend Ellie Townsend, 28, and Ellie’s nine-monthold son was also in the car.
Although Prince Philip, 97, refers to it being sunny, Emma recalls the day being overcast. She said: “He’s tried to give an explanation so I appreciate that, whether I agree with it or not. It is a difficult letter to write – to know what would be the right thing to say without making me more upset.”
The letter’s official stamp shows a castle, crown and the French phrase
Honi soit qui mal y pense, which is used on the royal coat of arms. It translates to “Evil be to him that evil thinks”.
The Duke was back behind the wheel within two days of the accident – but without a seat belt. He received “words of advice” from police.
Emma told the Sunday Mirror
last week that lady-in-waiting Mary Morrison had left a voicemail giving the Queen’s best wishes. But there was no word from Philip. She now accepts why the Duke’s message was delayed, saying: “He has to be advised by people, the same as I had to be.”
The good news is that doctors have told Emma her injured wrist is unlikely to need surgery.
And despite being a fan of the Royals, she won’t be displaying her letter at home.
The mum of two added: “It will just go in a file with all the rest of paperwork on this.”
Buckingham Palace last night said the letter was genuine but declined to comment further.
news@irishmirror.ie