Britain's Queen Elizabeth marked St David's Day by handing out leeks to troops in Wiltshire yesterday (01.03.07).The queen greeted 650 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment at their Tidworth base.The 80-year-old royal was forced to hold on to her hat as she presented the replica cloth leeks to the troops in the windy weather during the St David's Day parade.Speaking to the soldiers, who will be heading to Iraq for a third time in May, and their families, she said: "My thoughts and prayers go to you all."Her Majesty went on to visit the soldiers' new accommodation and had lunch in the officers' mess.The troops kept warm in the cold weather by drinking 'gunfire' - tea laced with rum traditionally drunk by soldiers to boost moral.Later on there was camaraderie with a leak eating contest and a toast to St David.

St David was the patron saint of Wales and the leek was his personal symbol.

March 1 has been chosen to mark his death and the Welsh traditionally wear leaks or daffodils in remembrance.

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