I remember news reels of both the Earl and the Prince visiting and the Earl helping the rescuers and comforting the survivors and relatives. I also remember Philip comforting a father who lost his daughter and the only way he could identify her was by her school badge. Philip's look of anguish said it all.

I know Philip and the Earl were two vastly different men, but Aberfan brought out the best in them, especially their usually-hidden deep compassion.