The Duke of Edinburgh has paid tribute to the work of royal chaplains saying they help the Royal Family "behind closed doors".

Prince Edward was speaking at a ceremony to welcome the newly-elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson this weekend.

Deputising for his brother King Charles, as Lord High Commissioner, the Duke spoke of the support he received from chaplains following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022:

"For my own part, I just want to pay personal tribute to the chaplains of the Chapels Royal and especially those here in Scotland... There have been moments recently where I have been lucky to have sensed God's care and love.

"And who could forget the scenes that followed the passing of my mother?

"The outpouring of emotions, the demonstration of respect, love and grief was overwhelming and a privilege to experience and behold.

"I think I can speak for my whole family when I say we will remain forever grateful for that support."

Addressing the Assembly in Edinburgh, the Duke described how he was "really touched and comforted" by how chaplains helped the royal family "behind closed doors and away from the public gaze and the scrutiny...I know it's part of the job description, so perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, yet it's not necessarily what they did, it's how they did it. Here were centuries of tradition, of rituals long practised, of prayer, of care and of comfort."