Red faces at the MoD as Charles wades into treatment of troops row

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He will hold a reception today at Birkhall, his Scottish retreat, in honour of the Territorial 51st Highlanders who recently returned from Iraq.

A senior military source explained: "The Prince wanted to pay tribute. He has been disturbed by what he sees as a lack of recognition for the efforts of our men and women serving overseas at this difficult time.

"He said he wanted to meet them and their families to thank them personally."

About 50 part-time Servicemen and women, who had been stationed at Basra Airport, will march into Birkhall this morning to meet Prince Charles and Camilla and be presented with the Iraq Medal.

Among them are two soldiers already cited by their commanding officer for bravery – Alan George, 20, and Private Hugh Lancaster, 21, who took part in a dramatic rescue of American troops following an ambush.

After the ceremony the soldiers and their families will be entertained in a large marquee erected especially for the event.

The TA soldiers, who had volunteered for a six-month tour of duty in Iraq, have now returned to their normal jobs, which include electrician, office worker, banker, teacher, gamekeeper, joiner, nurse, plumber, student, farmer and butcher.

The Prince's intervention is potentially embarrassing for the Government, already facing criticism about the treatment of soldiers fighting in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Defence has been slated over its care of injured soldiers, poor equipment, soldiers' pay and accommodation and distribution of medals.

But a spokesman said last night: "When people come home we make sure we have some form of event to honour them, and if you have served a certain number of days you also get a medal. If other people wish to host events, that is very welcome.

"Anything the Prince is choosing to do himself is a matter for his office. It is not unusual for Royal colonels-in-chief to present medals to their units."