News
HRH presents medals to Welsh Guards and lays a wreath at the Guards' Memorial
11th November 2007
The Prince of Wales presented medals and laid a wreath during the Welsh Guards Remembrance Sunday ceremony today as part of a weekend of Remembrance events.
His Royal Highness, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards Regiment, wore a bowler hat for the event in central London.
Following a reception at Guards' Chapel, Birdcage Walk, with members of the regiment and their families, The Prince presented medals to soldiers who had recently returned from six months' service in Afghanistan.
They included Operation Herrick medals, a Meritorious Service medal and Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
The soldiers lined up in the Guards' Museum as their family members, including a crowd of excited children, watched the presentation.
Captain Alex Corbet Burcher, from Fulham, received his medal for his service in Afghanistan.
He said of having it presented to him by The Prince: "It is a very nice touch indeed."
Colour sergeant Darren Lewis from Anglesey, North Wales has served in the Welsh Guards for 21 years.
He returned from Afghanistan 10 days ago and described his medal presentation as "a very special moment."
As The Prince arrived at nearby Guards' Memorial to present a wreath, he was greeted by a march past, including veterans with the band playing songs such as Calon Lan.
As the sun faded in the cold autumn sky The Prince placed the wreath at the foot of the memorial followed by the Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
The Prince later gave his leave for the Welsh Guards to be marched off parade.
The Welsh Guards Mortar Platoon members received their Operation Herrick medals after supporting 2nd Battalion 2 Mercian (Worcesters and Foresters) Regiment in Afghanistan.
The Platoon was in the thick of the action, firing 35,000 81mm rounds during its tour.
Welsh Guard Captain Tim Badham, who served with The Queen's Company Grenadier Guards during the tour, received his medal after being evacuated to the UK with a broken arm.
Medal recipients came from across Wales, including Flint, Wrexham, Bangor, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Pontypool, Pentre, Ystrad Mynach, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holywell.
Earlier in the day, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William attended the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph. For the first time, Prince William laid a wreath along with other members of the Royal Family.
As part of a weekend of remembrance events, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall also attended the War Widows parade at the cenotaph on Saturday 10th November.
The Prince, who is Patron of the War Widows Association, and The Duchess were joined by about 150 war widows.
The Prince stood with The Duchess as prayers were said and hymns sung.
A war widow's cross was placed by national chairwoman of The War Widows' Association, Jenny Green, followed by a brief silence.
The event was watched by a 1,000-strong crowd of onlookers.
The War Widows' Association strives to improve the conditions of widows and their dependants in Britain.
Also on Saturday, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied Her Majesty The Queen to The Royal Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.