The Duke of Edinburgh has apologised to a woman who was injured in a car crash in which he was involved.

Prince Philip was involved in the crash near the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on 17 January.

His Land Rover Freelander overturned and Emma Fairweather, one of the passengers in the other car, broke her wrist.

The duke, 97, who was pulled out of the car by a passerby has written an apology, saying: "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.


Image: Prince Philip said he was shaken by the accident

"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.

"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, dated 21 January, is signed: "Yours sincerely Philip."

Image: Broken glass and car parts on the side of the A149 near the accident

Ms Fairweather told the Sunday Mirror that she was "chuffed" to receive the letter.

She 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 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.

Image: Two women were treated in hospital after the crash

The Daily Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers described the letter as "quite extraordinary".

He told Sky News that the saga had been "a PR disaster from start to finish for the palace".

He added: "I do think when the dust had settled after the initial shock of the accident - we've all seen the pictures of how dramatic it was - I think when he learned two women had been taken to hospital, a nine-month-old baby was involved in the crash, that no doubt he would have been deeply sorry for what had happened.

"But seeing as he was seen without a seatbelt 48 hours after the crash on a public road, I think that's when public opinion really did change in this incident. So perhaps it is a bit of damage limitation from the Royal Family at this stage."

Norfolk Police had said the second woman, the 28-year-old driver of the other vehicle, suffered cuts to her knee and it is understood she also received a letter from the duke. The baby was uninjured.

Philip - who passed a breathalyser test after the crash - passed a police eyesight test on Saturday, a source told the Press Association.