The note, on Royal letterhead, was dispatched the day after Ms Halliwell announced her decision, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

Prince Charles expressed his sadness saying: "the group will not be the same without you."

"What will I do without your wonderfully friendly greeting?", he went on - alluding to her kisses and bottom-pinching on their first meeting.

"Sexy" Prince





Geri: "touched"

The Prince and his sons met the group on a number of occasions including a private tea at Highgrove.

But their first meeting was in early 1997 when the girls agreed to perform in support of the Princes Trust, a charity which helps give a start to disadvantaged young people.

Best wishes for the future

The Spice Girls also performed a concert for Nelson Mandela in South Africa when he set up a similar charity.

In his letter Charles offered his thanks to Geri for her help.

"I really wanted you to know how deeply I've appreciated your great generosity to my Prince's Trust and how much I wish you well for whatever the future holds," he wrote.

Ms Halliwell, who is still considering her future plans, was reported to be "very touched" by the Prince's gesture.