Prince Charles has spoken of the late Lynda Bellingham, calling her a "wonderful ambassador"."I did just want to pay, if I may, a special tribute to Lynda Bellingham, who was, as many of you know, a wonderful ambassador for Prime," the Prince told guests at the launch of the new report f Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime)."Personally I was greatly saddened to learn that she had passed away this week. As you know, she was not only a marvellous actress but also someone who worked tirelessly for others."
He continued: "So she really will be hugely missed.
"Lynda was also an ambassador for the organisation, which is part of Charles's charity Business In The Community, which helps the over 50s start their own businesses.The 66-year-old actress passed away on Sunday "in her husband's arms" after losing her battle with cancer.The sad news came days after Lynda filmed her final farewell episode for Loose Women, which aired on Wednesday. She received a standing ovation from the audience as she walked out of the ITV show.
As the star of the Oxo adverts, Lynda was everybody's favourite TV mum, and a new generation came to love her through chat show Loose Women. The death of the actress united fans and fellow celebrities in grief, with actor Simon Pegg describing Lynda as a "gorgeous, brassy, funny, generous, talented human being" and "My first TV mother figure".
Actress Lisa Faulkner said simply: "Will never forget your wonderful laugh Lynda", while presenter Jake Humphrey said: "After a wonderful career, Lynda Bellingham's legacy will be what she did in the past few weeks. To face cancer with dignity & strength. RIP."Michelle Keegan added: "What a brave and courageous woman she was, with a hilarious sense of humour", tagging her post #inspiration.
