Prince of Wales thanks soldiers for their 'raw courage'

The Prince of Wales yesterday thanked Black Watch soldiers for their "amazing contribution" to the country as he presented them with Afghanistan campaign medals.

Around 500 members of the regiment received the awards in a ceremony at their base at Fort George, near Inverness.

Charles also presented the families of three fallen soldiers with the Elizabeth Cross, which is given to the next of kin of those killed in conflict.

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The medals were received by the families of Sergeant Stuart "Gus" Millar and Corporal Tam Mason, who both died in Afghanistan, and Private Scott Kennedy, killed in Iraq in 2007.

The regiment returned in November from a seven-month tour of

Afghanistan.

Dressed in desert combats in his role as Royal Colonel of the regiment, Charles presented medals to around 150 soldiers while the others were presented by Lieutenant General Andrew Graham and Brigadier Mike Riddell-Webster.

The Prince was met by an honour guard in ceremonial dress when he arrived at Fort George.

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The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland then led the troops, all dressed in desert combats, on to the parade ground.

Charles was given a Royal Salute and a burst of the national anthem from the band before he handed out the medals.

Speaking after the ceremony, he joked: "I suspect it's only in this country that you could stand out on a freezing January day dressed in desert outfits."

He paid tribute to the courage of the soldiers and said: "The medal symbolises your individual contribution and raw courage.

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"You have proved that the quality of the Scottish soldier remains constant. You are an immense credit to the British Army and to this country.

"I want to thank you for your amazing contribution. As I stand here I remember with immense pride and gratitude those of your comrades who never returned."

He also thanked the families and said he appreciated what they had gone through because he worried all the time when Prince Harry was in Afghanistan.