Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall

Britain's Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have paid their last respects to the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.

The 65-year-old royal and his wife, Camilla, attended her funeral at a local church and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire yesterday (02.10.14) and stated he and his wife were "deeply saddened" by the loss of the last of the Mitford sisters - who were renowned for their socialite status in the 30s and 40s - after she passed away, aged 94, last week.

Charles confessed he would miss the close friend whom he "adored and admired" and praised her "original" approach to life, reports Hello! Magazine.

The future king said in a statement: "She was a unique personality with a wonderfully original approach to life, and a memorable turn of phrase to match that originality.

"The joy, pleasure and amusement she gave to so many, particularly through her books, as well as the contribution she made to Derbyshire throughout her time at Chatsworth, will not easily be forgotten and we shall miss her so very much."

The Dowager Duchess, whose full name was Deborah Vivien Cavendish, moved into Chatsworth House in Derbyshire after marrying Andrew Cavendish, who became the 11th Duke of Devonshire.

The house has since become one of the most successful tourist attractions in Britain.