Royal salute for soldiers back from Afghanistan

Charles took the salute as troops from the Black Watch 3rd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 Scots) marched through Forfar in Angus.

He also presented operational medals to members of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, of which he is the Royal Honorary Colonel.

Crowds lined the streets in the rain as 420 soldiers, including Territorials from 7 Scots, took part in the parade past the town hall, led by the pipes and drums.

The prince – the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland – is Royal Colonel of the regiment. Dressed in full multi-terrain army uniform, he then went on a walking tour of shops, making a brief stop inside D&A Kennedy Butchers in Castle Street.

Butcher James Culley, 50, said: “It was a bit of surprise when he walked in. He asked us if the meat was local, and when we told him it was he had a good look at the products.

“I was going to offer him something, but I wasn’t really sure what to say to him.”

Charles moved on to David Irons & Sons ironmongers, owned by the Earl of Strathmore, where he met staff.

The prince was driven to the Royal British Legion, where a reception was held for him to meet recently returned soldiers.

Corporal Allan Campbell, 24, from Lochgelly, Fife, said: “He saw me standing with my drumsticks, and the first thing he asked me was about the band and how the tour was for us.

“He was really interested in what we had been doing in Afghanistan, and I told him about the fire support role we provided out there.

“I’ve met him before, but it was only just briefly, so it was really nice to meet him and talk to him about Afghanistan.”