Prince Charles and Prince Harry have honoured Gurkha soldiers at Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles and Prince Harry

Prince Charles and Prince Harry

The 68-year-old royal and his youngest son presented operational medals to the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles on Tuesday (14.03.17) during a ceremony which included traditional Nepalese song, held at the royal London residence.

Charles, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, and 32-year-old Harry - who was made an honorary Gurkha after serving with the regiment during his time in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2008 - met with around 150 of the soldiers who were deployed to Kabul last year as part of Operation Toral, the UK's mission to advise on security issues and help Afghanistan take control of its own affairs.

Speaking to the soldiers, Prince Charles said: "I know that your eight-month tour in Kabul was arduous and dangerous but that you performed to the very highest standards of professionalism in true Gurkha spirit."

Whilst Prince Harry added: "Your forefathers would be most proud of you here today, continuing to demonstrate the traditions and achievements that together ensure the worldwide reputation of the Gurkhas as the best soldiers."

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Murray, who is the commanding officer who officiated at the medal presentation ceremony, said the opportunity for a soldier to meet royalty such as Prince Charles and Prince Harry was a "once-in-a-lifetime moment".

He said: "For the young Gurkha to be in Buckingham Palace in front of His Royal Highness is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Today will live long in the memory for these soldiers and their families, their stories from this wonderful experience will reach the hills of Nepal and reaffirm the position of the Royal Family in the hearts of the people from that part of the world."

Prince Charles and Prince Harry also used the medal giving ceremony as an opportunity to present awards in particular to Lieutenant Michael Barney, 25, from Grantham, and Acting Colour Sergeant Raj Rai, 34, from Nepal, in recognition of their efforts to the regiment over the last year.

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