Prince Charles hands out service medals

Britain’s Prince Charles joked about being ”ancient” as he presented medals at Prince Harry’s airbase yesterday (05.09.13).

The 64-year-old royal visited the base at Wattisham in Suffolk to honor Harry’s unit, 662 Squadron, in recognition of their service in Afghanistan, and during his speech poked fun at the fact his youngest son – who is on a tour of the US – was not there.

Charles – who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps – joked: ”It’s a particular pleasure to see so many of 662 Squadron, which my youngest son serves in, on parade even though he is not here – he shoved off, probably because he knew his ancient parents were coming.”

The prince also praised the squadron’s ”remarkable” work, admitting to having a better understanding of their duties because of his son, who spent four months in Afghanistan last year, his second tour of the stricken country.

He added: ”Having heard from him about your remarkable exploits in Afghanistan, I have some better understanding of just what you’re all up to, the challenges you face and constant demands you are under.

”If it is any consolation, I understand very well just how many demands are faced by service families when you find yourselves required to go here, there and everywhere at short notice.

”I think we owe the families here an enormous debt of gratitude.”