Britain's Prince Philip has been seen wearing hearing aids for the first time.
The 93-year-old royal joined his wife Queen Elizabeth at a reception for recipients of the Victoria and George Crosses yesterday (28.10.14) and the thin wires from the recently-prescribed devices could be seen next to each of his ears.
It is believed the Duke of Edinburgh was advised he needed the hearing aids to continue in his role of meeting with members of the public and this was the first engagement he has had since having them fitted.
The royal couple met 23 war heroes at the Buckingham Palace reception - one of several events bringing the recipients and their families together every two years - including Warrant Officer Keith Payne, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courage helping comrades under attack in Vietnam while serving with a special unit of the Australian Army in 1969.
He said: "I think events like this have become more and more important with the strife that the world is in now.
"They help to strengthen the bond between allies and recognise the great acts of bravery that happen, not just in the armed forces but by civilians too. It gives a bit of a morale boost to know there are still Victoria and George Crosses being handed out."
The queen has been patron of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association since 1957.
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