The Duke of Edinbuugh has sent condolences to the family of a former Olympic boxer from east Kent who has died.

Thomas Benjamin Lowne, of Channel Haven, Kingsdown Road, Deal, died of kidney failure and bronchial pneumonia on September 16 at the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

He was 89 and was being cared for at St Winifred’s nursing home in London Road, Deal.

As a young man, he had been chosen to represent the country in the 1948 Olympics. Later he became an honorary Amateur Boxing Association instructor.

On the morning of his funeral at St John the Evangelist Church, Kingsdown, his wife Heather and his children Trevor, Tristan and Nicole received a card offering condolences from Prince Philip, who is the Patron of the ABA.

Mr Lowne served in the RAF during the war. An RAF Standard bearer attended the funeral and the Last Post was played.

In 2006, Mr and Mrs Lowne campaigned about the withdrawal of funding for his alzheimers drugs.

His wife said: “He was a very happy man. He spoke fluent Italian, German, French and he loved opera. He was also an avid gardener.

“He will be remembered for his sayings.”

He is buried in the graveyard at St John the Evangelist Church, Kingsdown.