Tri-Service

Christmas Message For Armed Forces From HRH Prince Charles

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has recorded a special Christmas message for members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

In his role as Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Prince Charles was keen to stress the importance of the armed forces in not only keeping the country safe, but also in providing humanitarian assistance to countless others across the world.

Citing the 'unique professionalism' demonstrated by service personnel, His Royal Highness thanked members of the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy for the 'extraordinary work' they do, often deployed to hostile environments thousands of miles from loved ones.

As well as having two sons who have served in the Armed Forces, most notably Prince Harry who saw action as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan, Prince Charles was himself in the Royal Navy for 5 years.

A jet and helicopter pilot, his final ten months of active service saw him take command of the minesweeper HMS Bronington.

Almost 23,000 UK military personnel will be stationed or deployed abroad over Christmas, including more than 3,000 on operations. Of those, 870 are involved in the campaign to counter the terrorist group I.S. and 200 are carrying out training in Iraq.

Just this month, HMS Defender and its 180-strong crew joined the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Indian Ocean to support operations against Islamic State. Elsewhere, there are almost 14,000 troops across Europe, including just over 3,000 in Cyprus, 1,170 across North Africa and the Middle East and about 1,000 in the Falklands.

Families of those stationed across the globe also received a special mention from the Prince, who said their "loyalty and constant support are such a crucial part of the remarkable selflessness of the whole military family."

He ended his message: "I can only wish you all the happiest possible Christmas and send you a sincere and heartfelt thank you for your continued Service and personal sacrifice. I can assure you, Ladies and Gentlemen, that this is hugely valued and appreciated."