Armed Forces Day: After all the thrills and spills, a sombre tribute to the fallen

Camilla spoke of the "tragic" consequences of the conflict for hundreds of families, paying tribute to their sacrifice and the "miracles" performed by military doctors.

It was a sombre reminder at the close of a weekend that saw 35,000 people in Edinburgh for a series of events to mark the third Armed Force Day.

On Saturday, the duchess was joined by her husband, the Prince of Wales, as they oversaw 2,500 members of the armed forces, cadets and veterans taking part in a procession down the Royal Mile.

The Red Arrows staged their second display in as many days over the capital's skies, before the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight recalled the RAF's finest moments of the Second World War.

There were combat demonstrations in Holyrood Park, and youngsters got the chance to have a go on flight simulators and or see inside armoured vehicles.

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A silence was held in the Falklands Memorial Garden in Princes Street, where members of the South Atlantic Medical Association laid a wreath in memory of the fallen.

That followed Friday's launch, when hundreds gathered at Leith Docks to see the famous Red Arrows display kick off celebrations.

Squadron Leader Ben Murphy said being involved in the events was "massively important".

He said: "Most of us have come from operational backgrounds, having served in Afghanistan and Iraq and other theatres. For us to be able to come up here and participate in these types of events is a massive honour."

Yesterday, however, there was a stark reminder of the cost of conflict as the duchess, patron of the DecAid charity set up to commemorate the ten years of the conflict in Afghanistan, spoke to 300 pipers and drummers in the grounds around the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

She told them: "I'm sure you will all agree that the sound of more than 300 pipers and drummers playing in unison is truly evocative.

"It is a sound that has scared off many Englishmen over the centuries."

But she also reminded them they were there to pay tribute to troops who faced "the most dangerous and demanding conditions".

She said: "Tragically, the progress being made in Afghanistan comes at a devastating cost - 374 of our servicemen and women have died and over 1,600 have been wounded."She added that half of those who lost their life in the conflict were under the age of 25. "Our doctors and civilian and military medics are performing miracles, saving many lives that would have previously been lost", she said. "But, for some, the injuries they have sustained are life-changing.

"These soldiers will require considerable help to recover and regain their all-important independence."

It was a message that resonated with the audience, many of whom had seen loved ones lost or seriously injured in conflicts over the past six decades.

Among those who had gone to the capital to show their support was 94-year-old Rosa Rak, from Aberdeen. She lost her husband in June 1944, as he fought in Italy during the Second World War.

Ms Rak took part in the procession on Saturday, making the journey down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse with other members of the War Widows Association of Great Britain.

Standing at the foot of the Royal Mile yesterday, waiting for the procession of bands that would round off the weekend, Ms Rak paid tribute to her late husband. "It's heart-rending when you realise what the troops go through", she said. "The youngsters have been superb - they were so smart."

Marguerite Doyle, another war widow, compared the weekend to a recent trip to the Cenotaph. She spoke of the pride felt by all the woman who had gone to the event to celebrate loved ones they had lost. "It's been very emotional", she said.

There was an overwhelming sense of pride among the personnel and veterans who gathered in Edinburgh.

Scott Day, 42, served in the army for 22 years, while his wife was in the navy and spent the weekend working on a stall in Holyrood Park.

Sitting outside it as the festivities drew to a close yesterday, decorated in medals marking his service in the first Gulf War, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, Mr Day spoke of the sense of honour he had felt over the weekend, mingling with generations of servicemen and women.

"I've been speaking to people who served in the Second World War - they're proud, and so am I," he said. "It's lovely to see everyone here. People need this event to show their support - they see it on the news every day and this is a chance to give something back."

Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards echoed that view.

"I know the servicemen and women that I have the privilege of leading feel the same way as I do," he said. "We are immensely proud to serve this country."

For many, this would be their last Armed Forces Day as cuts to the defence budget take effect. It was an issue alluded to by many lining the streets of the Royal Mile on Saturday, with some questioning political support for the armed forces.

That fact did not escape the attention of Prince Charles, in the uniform of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the centrepiece event. During a break in the procession, he turned to Defence Secretary Liam Fox and asked: "Is that all?" before quipping: "It must be the cuts." Dr Fox said later: "It is heart-warming to see the crowds here at the national event and to watch the spectacular displays that have been organised."

He was joined by Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond, whose differing views on defence cuts in Scotland are well known, as they stood side by side to pay their respects.

The pair would not be drawn into political squabbles over the future of the British Army. For Mr Salmond, it was not a day for politics, and the only hint of an opinion from Mr Cameron came when was asked if he hoped to see the Armed Forces Day programme return to Edinburgh after an independence referendum. "You betcha," was his reply.