Duke and Duchess of Cornwall meet Falklands veterans on HMS Queen Elizabeth
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended a reception for veterans of the Falklands War on board HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Royal couple were joined by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and service personnel in paying tributes to those who served during the conflict in 1982.
"Forty years ago, 30,000 service personnel made the 8,000-mile journey to help protect the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands," Mr Wallace said.
"Today, we thank every one of them for their efforts and honour the 255 who paid the ultimate sacrifice."
The reception to mark the 40th anniversary of the war took place on board HMS Queen Elizabeth at HMNB Portsmouth.
Captain Ian Feasey, Commanding Officer HMS Queen Elizabeth, said it was "an honour" to host the Royals on board.
"The crews of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales were represented here today in honour of the Prince of Wales's role as Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers.
"It was humbling for our sailors and officers to meet veterans of the Falklands Conflict and to remember the sacrifices made by the UK Armed Forces and Merchant Navy personnel during the Falklands Conflict, in which aircraft carriers played a vital role," Captain Feasey added.
Members of the South Atlantic Medal Association 82 (SAMA82), which represents veterans of the Falklands Conflict, attended the reception.
"To have their Royal Highnesses present aboard the nation's flagship – a reminder of the importance of sea power and the vital role of aircraft carriers in the Falklands – is a fitting end to this year's events and we are truly honoured by their presence," Commodore Jamie Miller, who survived the sinking of HMS Coventry in 1982, said.
"It is vital that we remember the past to get the present and future right," he added.
A Royal guard of honour comprising more than 100 sailors and officers from HMS Queen Elizabeth conducted a Royal salute ahead of the reception.
Royal Air Force personnel lined the route to the ship, while the British Army Band Tidworth performed the national anthem upon the arrival of the Royal couple.
Head to our Falklands 40 page, where you can find our memorial wall, as well as more Falklands stories, videos and podcasts.
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