Britain’s Prince Charles honoured Victoria and George Cross recipients yesterday (27.10.14).
The 65-year-old prince hosted afternoon tea for 23 recipients of the military honours at St James’s Palace in London in his role of president of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and was praised for his knowledge of the military.
Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, who became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross for more than 20 years in 2005 after risking his life to save his colleagues in Iraq, said: "I think the prince has a great deal of knowledge about the military himself, as well as having both sons in the military.
"It’s great to see the interest he shows. The respect I have for [his son] Prince Harry, as a serving soldier and an officer, is amazing."
Later in the day, Charles attended a performance by Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall in honour of two soldiers who were killed last week.
Christopher Deacon, managing director of the National Arts Centre, paid tribute to the late servicemen, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo.
He said: "Our response to this tragedy is the healing beauty of music."
The Victoria Cross is awarded "for most conspicuous bravery or some daring pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy",while the George Cross is given in recognition of "acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger" and can be awarded posthumously.
Prince Charles honours Victoria and George Cross recipients
