Prince Charles salutes service families

The Prince of Wales praised service families as he presented medals to soldiers in North Yorkshire yesterday, saying he knew “only too well how difficult it can be when your loved ones are away for so long and in harm’s way”.

Prince Charles was speaking after presenting medals to members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, who are based at Dishforth Airfield, following their recent tour of Afghanistan, and taking the salute as they marched through Boroughbridge.

Hundreds of people, including scores of flag-waving 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.

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“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: “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 for the last five years.”

After taking the salute, which was accompanied by a flypast of three Lynx helicopters, Charles met local well-wishers on a walkabout in the town’s main street.