A ROYAL guest visited RAF Odiham to honour those who serve their country both at the base and in Afghanistan.

Prince Michael of Kent, who is cousin to both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, presented commendations and medals to 50 personnel from the north Hampshire base.

Friends and family of those being honoured packed into the officers’ mess to see their loved ones receive awards in a total of seven categories.

His Royal Highness said: “I would just like to say what a great pleasure and privilege it is for me to come down to RAF Odiham today. The reputation that RAF Odiham has is extremely high.”

A total of 37 personnel from the base, which is home to 7, 18 and 27 Chinook squadrons, received service medals for time spent in Afghanistan.

Among them was the Reverend (Squadron Leader) Colin Weir, one of two chaplains at the base, who spent just over three months based at Kandahar airfield.

From there, he lent support to RAF Odiham personnel who were missing their families back at home, and also took part in, and sometimes led, repatriation ceremonies for troops killed in action.

The 41-year-old told The Gazette: “I was at the repatriation ceremonies at Kandahar and it was a very emotional time.

“It might seem strange but it was an incredible privilege to be there. I have the greatest regard for what the ground forces are doing.”

Civilian Rachel Foden received the Commander Joint Helicopter Command Personal Commendation for her role as a community development worker at the base.

The ceremony heard that Miss Foden’s work helping families based at RAF Odiham, as well as the wider community, earned her “the respect and trust of the military establishment at all ranks”.

The 35-year-old said: “It was a great honour and it is nice to be recognised for the work that I have done.”