During a speech at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Charles spoke lovingly of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He also spoke of how his grandfather, King George VI, had carried out the traditional inspection of recruits. Charles revealed his "alarm" at giving a speech at a college where he had been a recruit 50 years ago.

       He said: "I realize that this is a very important moment for you all and for your families and friends who, I am delighted to see, can join us all in person, and I know will be full of immense pride in witnessing you on parade.

       "Britannia Royal Naval College has a rather special place in the hearts of my family.

       "My father, as Lord High Admiral himself, was extremely proud of his links to this College, and it was here that my mother and father first met in the Captain’s garden, while my grandfather, King George VI, carried out the inspection of your predecessors.

       "For myself, it is somewhat alarming to think that fifty years ago I was standing where you are as part of Blake Division on the eve of my own Naval service which, to this day, I still look back on with great fondness and pride."

       The speech was posted on Twitter with a picture of Charles giving his speech alongside a picture of himself and Philip, and the Duke of Edinburgh and his mother.

       Charles' speech comes as the Queen has cancelled her traditional pre-Christmas family party.

       This will be the second year running Her Majesty has cancelled the traditional lunch due to Covid.

       The Queen, 95, had initially planned to go ahead with the lunch at Windsor Castle.

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       She had planned to host up to 50 people for lunch but decided to cancel the event following the rise in Covid cases.

       This will be Queen's first Christmas since the death of Philip in April.

       Most years, the Queen invites her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to join her before she leaves for Sandringham.

       Last year, the Queen and Philip spent Christmas at Windsor Castle as they isolated together.

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       Together with their staff, the so-called 'HMS Bubble', the pair remained at Windsor rather than going to Sandringham.

       According to the Daily Mirror, senior royals have agreed to reduce all but essential contact in the lead up to Christmas.

       Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie have cancelled any pre-Christmas plans to ensure they can be with her.

       This comes the UK's chief medical officer, Professor Christ Whitty, advised the public to prioritise their personal contacts.

       He said: "People must prioritise the social interactions that really matter to them.