My respect for service families, by Prince Charles in North Yorkshire

Charles was speaking after presenting medals to members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, following their recent tour of Afghanistan, and taking the salute as they marched through the centre of Boroughbridge.

Hundreds of people, including scores of flag-waving and cheering schoolchildren, turned out to welcome the Prince and the soldiers.

In a speech in the Market Square, he said: “I would like to take this opportunity to add my warmest thanks to the families here today.

“As the father of two serving officers I know only too well how difficult it can be when your loved ones are away for so long and in harm’s way.

“Your moral support for them all is absolutely crucial to the success of this fine regiment and I know that the soldiers here would be the first to say how grateful they are to you and the support of this town and many of its residents.”

Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, recalled his experiences flying helicopters in the Fleet Air Arm.

He said: “As a result, I do at least have some idea of the considerable effort it takes to ensure that aircraft and crew are fully prepared for any operational task.”

The Prince told the parade: “The level of Taliban activity is varied from year to year and from season to season. But there’s one continuing feature throughout this battle for the hearts and minds of the people of Helmand - and that is yourselves and the rest of the corps who have been on constant operations in Afghanistan for the last five years.”

After taking the salute, which was accompanied by a fly-past by three Lynx helicopters from the regiment’s base at the nearby Dishforth Airfield, Charles met local wellwishers on a walkabout in the main street.

After asking children from local primary schools about how they felt about missing school dinner, Charles chatted to fruit and veg shop owner Chris Thompson.

Mr Thompson said the Prince was clearly interested in his local produce.

He said: “He wanted to know all about where it is all from. It’s clearly something he’s very interested in.

“I think he’s also interested in the importance of local shops like this.”

After the parade - during which 9 Regiment Army Air Corps exercised its freedom of Boroughbridge - Charles attended a reception at Boroughbridge Hall.

Sgt Neil White, who received the Operational Service Medal, said: “There were a lot more people here than I expected.

“You don’t actually realise sometimes the kind of support we do have.”