Duchess Camilla has praised the "skill and spirit" of soldiers returning from deployment in Iraq.

Duchess Camilla

Duchess Camilla

The 69-year-old royal - who is married to Prince Charles - recently paid a visit to the 4th Battalion The Rifles at their base at Normandy Barracks in Aldershot Garrison, Hampshire, South West England, where she inspected the soldiers before reading out a speech to the families of the men who were based in Al Asad Airbase in Western Iraq, who she says are the "unsung heroes".

After speaking with troops, she said: "In the most difficult circumstances you have shown your usual skill and spirit, no matter wha the circumstances, and I also know that this will have been enhanced by your irrepressible humour."

And in a message in support of their loved-ones, he said: "Speaking as an army officer's daughter, may I say that I think sometimes the unsung heroes are the families.

"Your support has been vital over these past months, you have kept the home fires burning despite the constant concern for those whom you love so dearly. Thank you for your steadfast support."

On Camilla's visit, Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Carl Boswell, commented: "The boys all returned after six months away and getting home seeing your family, seeing your friends, is just the biggest party known to man, it's great morale and having Her Royal Highness here today to mark that occasion has been a real privilege for us."

And Sergeant John-Paul Archer added: "It's great to be back, great to see my family. I'm a family man so they mean a lot, they are here today which is great."