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TRH present Afghanistan campaign medals to 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards

1st December 2009

The Prince of Wales has told soldiers from the Welsh Guards of his enormous pride in their work during a difficult tour of Afghanistan.

The 500 soldiers from the 1st Battalion gathered around The Prince, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, to hear His Royal Highness say they were a immense credit to the Nation and to Wales.

Watch the video below:

The Prince and The Duchess of Cornwall were at Lille Barracks to present campaign medals to the battalion after a six-month tour in Afghanistan that led to the loss of seven of their comrades, including their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe at the age of 39.

"If I may say so, it's been for me and my wife a matter of enormous pride to be able to join you here today," The Prince told the troops.

"It's the very least we can do to show how much your efforts are appreciated, not just by ourselves, but by the entire country."

The Prince said the soldiers had shown the finest traditions of the regiment and had been resilient, good humoured, loyal and selfless despite the dangers and having to deal with the worse conflict since the regiment suffered losses in the Falklands War.

He said the battalion had also shown compassion in the lull of the fighting but said that the actions had come at a "great cost" as he remembered with gratitude and affection those who lost their lives.

"We will never forget what they have done and the sacrifice," he said.

Around 800 family members braved the trip from Wales and the bitter cold to watch the presentations and hear the speech.

The Prince said that, despite their anxiety for loved ones, the moral support and understanding of the families had been a source of strength for soldiers.