Royal Watch News

Prince Charles praises the Armed Forces

Jul 16, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Charles

Prince Charles has expressed his 'unending admiration' for the British Armed Forces.

The heir to the throne - who is also father to military professionals Princes William and Harry - paid tribute to troops serving their country in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Libya as well as those who made this year's Diamond Jubilee celebrations for his mother Queen Elizabeth so special.

He wrote in The Sun newspaper: 'Once again, I find myself putting pen to paper to express my unending admiration for our Armed Forces.

'No matter what challenges they face, our servicemen and women are ready to give their all.

'Over the last twelve months, operations have been completed in Libya, at the same time as those in Afghanistan, and Diamond Jubilee celebrations and ceremonial events continue unabated.

'The Olympic and Paralympic Games are now upon us, and up to 17,000 servicemen and women have been drafted in, in support of them.'

Charles paid particular tribute to those who are putting themselves in danger in the UK's Afghanistan operation, and the job which they are doing to protect and serve the public.

He added: 'One of the Regiments of which I am Colonel, The Welsh Guards, is training, mentoring and working in partnership with Afghan security forces in Helmand this summer.

'This role is extremely difficult and demanding and our youngest soldiers are asked to be diplomats and teachers, as well as soldiers.

'Patience and cultural understanding are as vital as the usual soldiering skills.

'Despite the most dreadful setbacks, possibly the worst being when infiltrators pretend to be Afghan policemen or soldiers and attack our troops, murdering them in cold blood, our troops somehow carry on with enormous fortitude to see the job through, often as a tribute to the memory of their fallen colleagues.'

The prince also paid tribute to military cadets as he launched the newspaper's Military Awards 2012.