SOLDIERS from the King’s Royal Hussars have received their Afghanistan Operational Services Medal from The Princess Royal.

The regiment marched in front of their proud friends and families at their Tidworth base. Every soldier on parade was presented with either their Afghan medal or a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

Princess Anne, who is their Colonel-in-Chief, presented medals to C Squadron, the senior squadron, while other senior regimental figures, including General Sir Richard Shirreff, presented medals to the other squadrons.

The Princess Royal commended the regiment on the parade and said how well they had performed under difficult conditions on their recent tour. “The regiment’s reputation is riding high,” she said. “Now you face a new year with new challenges, but enjoy a well earned Christmas with your families.”

She also presented Regimental Medals to five members of the regiment including the commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Alex Potts for his “outstanding leadership during their tour in Afghanistan”.

After the parade, additional medal ceremonies were carried out for soldiers who received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and also the Accumulated Service Medal.

Among those on parade were twins John and Sam Lawrence. “It is difficult when you have a son on operations, but with both boys out there, it was very hard for me,” said their mother Janet. “Although they were in different squadrons, they we able to give support to each other. The twins’ father, Sam, added: “I am so proud of them, they are a credit to us.”