Prince Charles paid tribute to ‘individuals and communities’ for their courage as well as health and public service workers who had lost their lives on the front line in the battle against coronavirus.

The prince also hailed the temporary field hospital at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as a ‘huge source of pride’ at its official opening.

Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig, the Dragon’s Heart Hospital, is the largest temporary hospital in Wales and the second largest in the UK, providing up to 2,000 additional beds for Covid-19 patients.

Speaking from his Birkhall home in Scotland, Charles said in a pre-recorded video played at the ceremony on Monday: ‘That this amazing undertaking should have been completed in such a short time is, rightly, a huge source of pride.

‘I simply want to add my voice to the tributes that have been paid to all those involved, from so many different walks of life, who have made this possible – the Welsh Government, the National Health Service trust, the planners, builders and technicians, the armed forces and, of course, the medical staff and volunteers who will be taking forward this hospital’s vital work.

He added: ‘Words simply cannot express the gratitude and humility that such compassionate courage inspires in us all, and our hearts go out to all who have lost their loved ones in such a tragic way.’

Charles ended his speech with the words ‘eu haberth nid a heibio’, Welsh for ‘their sacrifice shall not be forgotten’, and called on the public to support those on the front line.