Prince Charles' Naval Honour

Last week, 10th Nov 15:00

Britain's Prince Charles was "touched, flattered and honored" to receive a medal from the Canadian Navy to mark his 32 years as an honorary member.

The Prince of Wales was presented with the clasp during a ceremony in Victoria marking the centennial of the navy in 2010.

For the first time, Charles wore a Canadian naval uniform in his capacity as honorary vice-admiral.

His wife, Camilla - standing underneath a clear umbrella to protect her from the rain - beamed with pride at her husband.

The prince thanked the Canadian navy for the warm welcome and joked about the bad weather, saying it reminded him of home.

He joked: "I must take this opportunity if I may, to say what a great joy it is for my wife and I to join you on a day that has some glorious familiarity in terms of the weather.

touched, flattered and honored

"It wouldn't be the same, if I may say so, without a little bit of rain."

He then said he was "touched, flattered, honoured" to receive the medal.

The prince - who served as a pilot in the navy from 1971-1976 - recalled his days in the Royal Navy spent alongside the Canadian navy "trying not to run them into the sea."

Attending the ceremony were political representatives, military officials, sea cadets, veterans and families of military members.

The royal pair then spent time chatting to the crowd as well as sailors standing to attention in the guard of honour.

Last week, Camilla, 62, had her chance to impress the Canadian navy herself by firing a gun on the World War Two destroyer HCMS Haida.

But as she pulled the trigger on the giant warship, she looked terrified and struggled to turn away from the bang and hold her ears, while collapsing into laughter.

The Prince of Wales, 60 - who had a go himself - looked less than impressed at his wife's failure to remain composed.

Charles and Camilla began their 11-day visit to Canada in Newfoundland last Monday (02.11.09). It is the prince's 16th tour of Canada and Camilla's first.