Brenda Edwards became emotional as she appeared on the first edition of Loose Women since the Queen's death. The ITV lunchtime show returned to screens on Thursday (September 15) for the first time since it was announced Queen Elizabeth II had died 'peacefully', aged 96, at Balmoral on September 8.
Ruth Langsford anchored the show's return and was joined by Brenda, Jane Moore, and Dame Kelly Homes who was making her debut as a new panelist. The ladies dedicated the show to the late monarch, sharing how they felt when they heard the news of the Queen's passing and their memories of the country's longest-reigning monarch.
They were also joined by Janet Street-Porter and Gloria Hunniford via video link, with both having received honours from the Queen herself. Things then got emotional as Brenda shared her connection to the new King.
Before his death in February this year, Brenda's son Jamal Edwards was an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, a charity headed up by the former Prince of Wales, and in 2014 was made an MBE for his services to music.
Brenda recalled how, following her son's tragic death, she answered the door to a "very well dressed" gentleman who was holding a bouquet of white roses and asked if he could speak to 'Ms Edwards'. "I was quite nervous because this looked quite formal," Brenda recalled. "I thought, 'What have I done? I haven't done anything!'"
He then handed over the letter, which was addressed to herself and her daughter, Tanisha. But she only realised where it was from when she saw the Clarance House logo to which she said she then began to shake. Brenda also agreed to read out the letter.
She began: "Dear Ms Edwards, I particularly wanted to write and say how desperately sorry I was to hear the tragic news about your dear son, Jamal, and above all to send you my deepest sympathy.
"I can only begin to imagine what an immense and aching gap he will leave in your life and that of your daughter Tanisha, and my heart goes out to both of you, more than I can ever say. I shall never forget Jamal's dedication and support in helping with my Prince’s Trust over the years.
"His commitment as an ambassador has made the most enormous difference to the Trust and has helped to change the lives of countless disadvantaged young people. Jamal was, I know, greatly respected and liked by my Trust's staff, supporters and young people who he met during the many years of his involvement.
"It will, I hope, be some consolation to reflect on the enormous legacy of achievement which Jamal leaves and the immense affection in which he was held by so many."
Brenda had to steady her breath as she continued to read the letter but choked up as she did so: "I have such fond memories of the time I met him and can ill afford to lose someone in this country someone as exceptionally special as your dear son.
"I fear that this letter can only be hopelessly inadequate under such sole-destroying circumstances and will probably be of no comfort whatsoever in making your sense of anguish any easier to bear, but please know that you and your family are so very much in my thoughts and prayers at this saddest and most heart-breaking of times."
He ended the letter: "Yours, most sincerely, Charles." Ruth was quick to say 'well done' to Brenda for reading out her letter while Dame Kelly said that it was "amazing" and showed how much Jamal meant to the then Prince of Wales and his charity.
Brenda commented that it was "humbling" and "comforting" to receive the letter. She was seen wiping away tears as viewers were quick to share how they were emotional watching the scenes at home and sent messages on social media. @fuzzy_dreamer tweeted: "What a beautiful letter to @brenda_edwards from #KingCharlesIII had me in tears. #LooseWomen."
@secN21 said: "It was heartbreaking hearing @brenda_edwards read out the beautiful letter she received from #KingCharlesIII on @loosewomen." :@Saranne_PB shared: "Thank you for sharing that with us Brenda, such bravery... #LooseWomen." @dblckmn added: "Much love to Brenda on #loosewomen today. You are very brave and we love you…"
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