Jul 28, 2009, 11:00 GMT
Britain's Prince Charles honoured troops who have served in Afghanistan yesterday (27.07.09).
The 60-year-old royal and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, presented operational service medals to more than 100 soldiers from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk, east England.
The royal couple met each soldier individually, asking a few questions about their service before giving them their medals.
The honoured regiment was responsible for flying and maintaining the Apache attack helicopters in Afghanistan for 12 months from May 2008.
In his official speech, Charles praised the troops for their bravery and commitment to Britain before reflecting on his son Prince Harry's time on the front line in 2007.
He said: "It's an enormous privilege to be able to give you your medals on this occasion today, particularly as I hear you are about to go off on leave when I depart.
"As far as my wife and I are concerned it is very special to be able to recognise the extraordinary level of commitment you display when you go off in these helicopters.
"We also owe a huge amount to all your families, many of whom are gathered here today, for the support and understanding they all show. I know all too well, having had my youngest son serving for a period in Afghanistan, just what it's like being a parent left behind - and in my case it was even worse because I couldn't tell anybody."
Charles and Camilla also inspected one of the regiment helicopters, before enjoying a glass of Pimms and chatting with the soldiers' families.
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