The Duke of Rothesay visited Fort George yesterday to present medals to members of 3 Scots who have recently returned from a six-month tour of Iraq.
Operation Shader was aimed at providing training and mentoring to Iraqi Security Forces in preparation to thwarting terrorist group Isis.
Prince Charles was welcomed to the barracks by senior officers before delivering a royal salute to the battalion.
The prince awarded 50 medals to the first rank of the battalion who served under Operation Shader, before honouring Private Liam Scott with the Maxwell Shield in recognition of Delta Company’s success in an inter-company sports competition.
Lieutenant Colonel Rob Hedderwick, commanding officer of 3 Scots, said: “One word springs to mind today and that is pride. I am hugely proud to be able to welcome His Royal Highness and I am thankful for him taking time out of his schedule to present these medals here today.
“His Royal Highness always has a lot of interest and I correspond a lot with him. He really does have a general interest and it has been a joy to host him for the day.”
Prince Charles then met with the soldiers and members of their families in the Officers Mess where tea and light refreshments were served, with the Duke graciously sharing a spot of his Earl Grey tea and honey with 16-month-old Amy Walker, the daughter of Captain Iain Walker.
Capt Walker said: “It has been brilliant. It is the first time my daughter has seen a parade of this scale and it is the first time she has met the Duke of Rothesay.
“He was very interested in how our families deal with us being away.
“He mentioned how nice it is to come back and re-establish links and how fantastic kids are at this age with their language and mannerisms.
“We spoke about when I got back from Iraq and how the very next day Amy took her first steps, so she was waiting for me and it made me feel like the proudest man alive.”
Capt Walker’s wife Nicola added: “Amy was trying to give Prince Charles her pot of apricots when he asked if she would like to try his tea.
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She added: “I feel really proud. It is hard when they are away but we know it is for a good cause and to see them recognised here – it is a great day.”
Lieutenant Colonel Rob Hedderwick said: “Almost 300 of us were in the Middle East together, from the freezing cold in winter to the heat of summer, so for all of us to stand together and receive our medals it is a special day for all of us.”