Prince Charles has praised people across the UK who have offered to house Ukrainian refugees in his Easter message.

The future King said “it has been profoundly moving” to see how many people have offered not only their homes but also their time and resources to help “those facing such soul-destroying sorrow and hardship”.

Prince Charles, who did not attend the traditional Easter Sunday service at St. George's Chapel, also shared he had found himself “heartbroken at the sufferings of the innocent victims of conflict, or persecution”.

He concluded: “This Easter, as always, we are reminded of Our Lord’s timeless example of goodness in the face of suffering, of courage in the face of fear, of faith in the face of despair.

“His light triumphed in that dark time. I pray with all my heart that his inspiring example might help us all dispel the darkness of the world…”

Prince William and Kate joined other members of the royal family on Sunday for the annual Easter Mattins service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle near London.

The Queen did not attend the traditional royal event due to problems with her mobility. She also missed the annual Royal Maundy service on Thursday.