The Duchess of Cornwall attended a Homecoming Parade today for soldiers who have recently returned from deployment in Iraq.
Normandy Barracks is the home base of 4th Battalion The Rifles, the first British Army unit to deploy to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq’s western province of Al Anbar.
Today, hundreds of soldiers paraded and gave The Duchess the Royal Salute at the base in Aldershot, Hampshire. Following the parade, Her Royal Highness met with family members who had gathered to support their loved ones.
Her Royal Highness is Royal Colonel of the 4 Rifles, and last visited Normandy Barracks in November when she met families whose partners had been deployed to Iraq.
After inspecting the troops, The Duchess said during a speech: "In the most difficult circumstances you have shown your usual skill and spirit, no matter what the circumstances, and I also know that this will have been enhanced by your irrepressible humour.”
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Carl Boswell, said: "The boys all returned after six months away and getting home seeing your family, seeing your friends, is just the biggest party known to man, it's great morale and having Her Royal Highness here today to mark that occasion has been a real privilege for us."
