An album has been produced to mark the first anniversary of the death of Pat Kirkwood, the queen of musical theatre.

The first copies of the tribute featuring 66 of her hit songs have been handed to her widower Peter Knight at his home in Bingley.

Miss Kirkwood died at Kitwood House nursing home in Ilkley, on Christmas Day last year aged 86, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The album, called The Unforgettable Pat Kirkwood, spans 56 years of her career in showbusiness, from the leading role in her first film at the age of 17, to her final stage appearance in 1994.

The notes for the CD were written by royal biographer, newspaper columnist and her friend, Michael Thornton, who gave the address at Miss Kirkwood’s funeral, held at Bingley’s All Saints Parish Church in January.

Mr Knight, 92, a former president of Bradford & Bingley Building Society, said: “The collection is the most wonderful tribute to my wife’s long career as a star. I am delighted with it, and I know that she would have been also.”

He also spoke out about the rumours that Miss Kirkwood was involved in a relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh. Her name was linked with Prince Philip after they met in 1948 while the future Queen was pregnant with the Prince of Wales.

Speculation about their relationship continued for decades although Miss Kirkwood consistently denied suggestions of an affair. Now Mr Knight has revealed he has letters between his late wife and the Duke which scotch the rumours of a royal romance.

He said: “I have in my possession correspondence which passed between my wife and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. It leaves no room for doubt that the allegations so often made regarding a relationship between them are entirely without foundation.

“It was my wife’s express wish that these letters should be handed in the fullness of time to the Duke’s official biographer in order that the truth may be finally established.”

Pat Kirkwood was described as Britain’s first wartime star.

She made her professional debut as a 14-year-old singer in BBC Radio’s The Children’s Hour and went on to star in 18 musical productions and 15 pantomimes, five of them in the West End.

After a film in Hollywood, and a record-breaking cabaret season in Las Vegas, she became the first female star in Britain to have her own hour-long television series.

This was followed by award-winning television performances as the music hall stars Marie Lloyd and Vesta Tilley, as Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion and in the title role of Peter Pan on the London stage. She also appeared in four royal command performances.

The double album costs £7.99 including postage, and is available by contacting (01923) 281281 or avidgroup.co.uk.