Harry Secombe, one of Britain's best-loved entertainers who had been raising laughs since the 1950s, died on Wednesday at the age of 79, a hospital spokesman said.
Tributes to Seacombe included one from heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, who, as a teenager, became a big fan of his brand of zany comedy.
"He will be profoundly missed by all those people who appreciate wit and unmalicious humor," the Prince said.
"He was one of the great life-enhancers of our age and gave pleasure and constant happy laughter to so many of us throughout his life."
After serving in north Africa in World War II, Secombe and a group of friends set up the Goon Show Preservation Society, a television show which set new standards for British comedy.
A Welshman, Secombe was also blessed with a powerful tenor voice which he used in variety performances.
Later in his career, Secombe devoted himself to charity work and presented religious programs on television. He was awarded a knighthood in 1981 for his contribution to showbusiness.
He had been suffering from cancer for some time and more recently had a stroke which left him partially paralyzed. He died at Guildford Hospital, southern England -- AFP
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