King in a personal tribute to the “exceptional and steadfast” Lord Prescott

The King paid a heartfelt personal tribute to Lord Prescott, saying he remembered with “great fondness his unique and steadfast character” and his “infectious sense of humor”.

Charles congratulated the former deputy prime minister, who has died aged 86, for his “decades of public service” on the political front.

The king, who is himself the country’s longest-serving heir to the throne, highlighted Lord Prescott’s role as Britain’s longest-serving deputy prime minister.

Charles and John Prescott performed at Poundbury in Dorchester in 1998 — The then Prince of Wales and deputy leader of the Labor Party John Prescott traveled around Poundbury in Dorchester in 1998 (Barry Batchelor/PA)

“I remember with great fondness his unique and steadfast character, as well as his infectious sense of humor.

“My thoughts and greatest sympathies go out to Lord Prescott’s wife, family and loved ones at such a difficult time, and I am sure that a great many people will recognize and greatly appreciate Lord Prescott’s decades of public service on the political front, especially as the United States is the Kingdom’s longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister.” .

Lord Prescott once wrote that although he was “not a staunch loyalist”, he had “plenty of time for Charles”, whom he described as a keen environmentalist.

John Prescott and the then Prince of Wales in 2003 — John Prescott and the then Prince of Wales at the ‘Traditional Town Planning in Contemporary Practices’ conference at the Prince’s Foundation in 2003. (Rebecca Naden/PA)

His comments appeared after the Supreme Court upheld a ruling that allowed the publication of the so-called “black spider” notes written in 2004 and 2005 and sent by Charles to seven government departments.

Lord Prescott wrote in the Sunday Mirror: ‘Charles has an awful lot to offer this country. And if he wants to serve his people by helping young people find jobs, fighting climate change, and building sustainable communities, he can write as many damn letters as he wants.”

He also told how he received a handwritten note from the prince in 2003 after the death of Lord Prescott’s mother.

John Prescott in 2004 — John Prescott drinks tea as part of a visit to promote the government’s Decent Homes program in 2004 (John Stillwell/PA)

Charles insisted he was not criticizing the government’s housing policy, speaking out against demolishing “historic buildings” when “in the long run, renovating and rebuilding them will cost significantly less in financial, social and environmental terms.”

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair wrote in his memoirs how Charles was amazed by John Prescott’s habit of balancing a cup and saucer on his stomach.

In his 2010 book A Journey, the then-Blair recalls bumping into the prince after first meeting the Deputy Prime Minister.

“Has he ever done anything like that with you?” asked the prince.

Labor leader Tony Blair with deputy leader John Prescott at the Brighton Races in 1995 — Labor Party leader Tony Blair with deputy leader John Prescott at the Brighton races in 1995 (Neil Munns/PA)

“It’s very strange. I’ve never seen anyone do that before. What do you think this means?

Blair claims he replied, “I really don’t think it makes any difference.”

Charles continued, “Hmm. Don’t you think it’s some kind of gesture or display of hostility, class hostility or something?

Blair assured him that his deputy had made the same gesture at him quite often, adding, “I think he just likes drinking his tea that way.”