Britain’s Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has honoured soldiers on their return from Afghanistan.
The 93-year-old royal travelled to the Athlone Barracks in Germany to present around 100 troops with medals for their services in a mission entitled Op Herrick 20, reports the Express newspaper.
The Duke – who is married to Queen Elizabeth II – admitted it was a "great pleasure" to award the medals as he addressed the 300 strong regiment, as well as the soldiers’ families.
The troops are some of the last to receive their medals since the British soldiers left their Camp Bastion posts and handed it over to Afghan officials in October.
He said: "It’s a great pleasure for me to be here again to present these campaign medals and also to welcome you all back again.
"I am quite sure your family and friends are delighted to see you and I hope you all had a good leave and are now back raring to go."
One member of the squadron, 24-year-old Luke Edwardson from County Durham, recalled his experience fighting in Afghanistan and shared his pride at being part of the last tour.
He said: "It will never leave me and it was a big part of my life.
"It was the last tour so I feel proud to be part of it.
"There’s not going to be any more combat troops there.
"On the plane and having a quick look behind and thinking no-one’s coming back, I was really proud."
Britain’s Duke of Edinburgh honours soldiers
