We are so grateful to Britain, Ukrainians tell Prince Charles and Camilla

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have been told of the profound gratitude of the Ukrainian community for the support of the Queen and Royal family in the face of war with Russia.

The Prince and Duchess joined the Ukrainian-Canadian community for prayers at a church in Ottawa, hearing special thanks for the assistance of the British to their community suffering under Putin's attack.

The couple spoke to a refugee family, a mother and her two sons, who recently joined her sister in Ottawa after being forced to flee their home under shelling, leaving her husband behind to fight.

The visit came amid the second of a three-day tour to Canada, in which the Prince and Duchess embraced local life by trying maple syrup and seeing a display by the Mounties.

In a moving moment, the Prince appeared emotional as he heard how the funeral of his father Prince Philip had bestowed "great honour" on the Orthodox Christian world.

Dr Jennie Dutchak, 85, told the Prince she had been moved to tears after hearing the Russian Kontakion of the Departed, translated by William John Birkbeck, played at the St George's Chapel service in April 2021.

Dr Dutchak said: "I thank you personally. May his soul rest in peace."

The Prince grasped her arm and sounded moved as he thanked her very much for her words.

The Prince and Duchess both paid a visit to the Ukrainian Community at the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa, where they heard prayers and thanks specifically to the Royal Family for their support for Ukraine.

The Queen is known to have made a donation in a show of support to the Ukrainian humanitarian cause, with the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visiting the Ukrainian community at numerous engagements as well as donation their private funds.

The Very Reverend Volodymyr Kouchnir told them: "Today, your country is truly a friend to Ukraine.

"Having extended a helping hand to our military but also as fellow citizens of our planet.

"We shall never, never, never forget that.

"We are sincerely grateful to the Royal Family, to Her Majesty, and to you personally for your help and support for Ukraine which today is fighting for democratic values and the chance to live as part of the European family.

"God grant you many, many blessed years."

Speaking after the visit, Dr Dutchak said of her moment with the Prince: "A year ago, at his funeral, his father chose a special hymn.

"Our choir sing it here and it moved me to tears to have a choir sing it at a royal funeral. It was jubilation.

"It is a great honour for every Orthodox Christian that he recognised its sacred beauty. We are all proud."

Prince Philip's funeral, which took place in lockdown, also included the Kiev Melody, arranged by Sir Walter Parratt.

Elsewhere in Ottawa, the Prince and Duchess saw the spectacular display of the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in their distinctive red uniforms.

The Prince delighted stallholders at a food market by describing the quintessential Canadian kitchen staple of maple syrup as “good for you”.

At Ottawa’s ByWard market, which is attempting to revive trade following the pandemic, the royal couple were mobbed by members of the public with camera phones.

Rupert Hupe, a second generation maple producer showed the Prince and Duchess bottles of syrups and maple sweets. Charles told him: “It’s great stuff, great stuff. It’s good for you”.

At a school, the Prince also met with “newcomer” families, refugees who have been welcomed to Ottawa after fleeing their homelands.

On Wednesday, he was due to meet with Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, and attend a reception with the Governor General to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.