Prince's St David's Day visit for Bosnia troops.

Byline: By Gavin O'Connor South Wales Echo 

Welsh Guards were honoured during a royal visit in Bosnia to mark St David's Day. It was the first time the Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles, had visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards overseas and he was accompanied by Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The visit marked a historic week which coincided with news that the Welsh Guards, the last British force on a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, would be withdrawing next month.

Prince Charles, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, handed out leeks to the soldiers as national symbols to mark the special day and met with the three Bosnian presidents.

Valleys soldier Steve Cook was also one of five guardsmen to be awarded a Long Service Good Conduct Medal.

Colour Sergeant Cook, 36, who has been with the guards for 18 years, chatted with the Prince about his achievements and service in the Army.

'He talked to us for about five minutes,' said Sergeant Cook, a dad of two, of Abernant, Aberdare.

'He must get really well briefed because he's so knowledgeable. I've met Prince Charles before because I was previously at Eton as a drill instructor when Prince William was there as a cadet for six weeks. At last year's presentation of the new colours I also met him, and he spoke to my wife Susie.'

The medal is one of seven Steve has picked up since joining the forces as an 18-year-old.

'It will be good to go home now,' he said.

'Bosnia's been brilliant for training, but other than that it's been fairly quiet.'

It was also an extraordinary day for Lance Sergeant John Jones, 35, of Hendredenny, Caerphilly.

Nearly 10 years ago he was one of the pallbearers of the coffin of Princess Diana.

Yesterday, the dad of three, most recently father to newborn twins Lewis and Casey, was presented with a leek by the Duchess of Cornwall.

'Camilla just came along and handed me the leek,' said Sergeant Jones.

At a press conference, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the visit marked a day of national celebration for Welsh troops and that constructive talks had been held with the Bosnian presidents.

'The Welsh Guards have a long and distinguished record of service around the world,' he said.

Mr Rycroft said the British commitment to Bosnia would continue, although the nature of the commitment would change.

Commanding Officer for the British Forces, Brigadier Chris Murray, said the hundreds of Welsh Guards would be withdrawn by the end of March.

'Bosnia is now safer than many parts of the UK,' said Brigadier Murray.