The Duke of Edinburgh has told a mother of two that he is deeply sorry after she was injured in a car crash he was involved in.

Prince Philip, 97, escaped injury on 17 January when the Land Rover Freelander he was driving collided with another vehicle as he pulled out of a driveway on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on to a busy A road.

The Prince's car flipped over in the crash, after he was apparently dazzled by the low sun. He was initially trapped and had to be rescued by a passing motorist.

The other vehicle involved, a Kia, was carrying a nine-month-old baby boy, his mother who was driving, and Emma Fairweather as a passenger.

The baby was unhurt, but both women had to be treated in hospital.

Ms Fairweather, who broke her wrist, called for the Duke to be prosecuted if found to be at fault.

In a letter to Ms Fairweather dated 21 January, Philip wished her a speedy recovery and said he failed to see the car coming.

The note, reported by the Sunday Mirror, said: "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.

Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1986 The Princess of Wales, Diana, and Sarah Ferguson looking a HMS Brazen's bell during a visit to the frigate moored in the Pool of London when Prince Andrew escorted them around the vessel on which he was serving PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1987 The Duchess of York and Diana in the Royal box at the Epsom Derby PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures Women's Day Fergie and Di's shock vendetta Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1987 Charles watches Diana lark about in the snow with Sarah Ferguson in the Swiss alps PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures New Idea The rift that's broken Fergie's heart Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1987 Sarah Ferguson and Diana walk down to the Paddock at Royal Ascot PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures HELLO! Diana and Sarah: Two different personalities sharing the same quest for a new life Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1987 Diana (left), wearing the Queen Mary tiara, chats to her then brother-in-law and sister-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of York, at London's Claridge's Hotel when they attended a banquet given by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia at the end of his state visit to Britain PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures New Idea Royal Row! The rift that wrecked Di and Fergie's friendship Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1988 Diana kisses Sarah Ferguson on the cheek as they meet in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1990 Prince Harry celebrating his 6th birthday, lifts up Princess Beatrice to see the Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary parade, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the Duchess of York, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Kent look on PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures GLOBE Di and Fergie's bitter feud - who's sexier? Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 1991 Sarah Ferguson, with her daughter Beatrice, and Diana watch a fly past from the balcony at Buckingham Palace following the Trooping of the Colour ceremony PA Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2017 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry's fiancee, at the time, Meghan Markle attend the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk AFP/Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures People Tension at the palace - The truth about Meghan and Kate Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures Daily Mail Markle sparkle v country Kate, two very telling cards Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 Meghan Markle and Kate attend the first annual Royal Foundation Forum held in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures The Sun 'Row before wedding' 'Kate's throne a wobbly at Meg' Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, US actress Meghan Markle and her fiancee Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in central London AFP/Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures The Sun Royal rift - Princess and the peace Queen demands Kate and Meg truce Charlotte Hodges Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 William, Kate, Harry and Meghan during the RAF 100 ceremony at Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 Kate and Meghan react as they sit in the Royal box on Centre Court to watch Novak Djokovic play against Rafael Nadal during the continuation of their men's singles semi-final match on the twelfth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships AFP/Getty Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures Daily Express Meghan and Kate play happy (royal) families Feuding princesses: British royals and the press in pictures 2018 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex as they arrive for the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk AFP/Getty

"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."

The letter is signed "Yours sincerely, Philip".

Ms Fairweather, 46, told the Sunday Mirror she was chuffed with the letter, and said: "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."

Ms Fairweather had previously complained that while the Queen, who had no involvement in the accident, had been in contact through a lady-in-waiting, she had not had any direct communication with the Duke.

It is understood a similar letter was sent to the driver of the Kia.

Philip was photographed driving without a seatbelt 48 hours after the crash.