Prince Charles meets injured troops

Charles spoke with Armed Forces personnel recovering at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, during his visit.

The majority of soldiers being treated at the hospital have been injured in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, or have been transferred from other countries.

The Prince, who regularly visits the centre, met military and NHS staff before touring the burns and plastics unit, which treats those wounded in bomb blasts.

Brigadier Christopher Parker, who began his first day in the post of commandant of the RCDM by showing Charles around, said: "His Royal Highness has been kind enough to visit here several times and is well acquainted with the centre.

"His visit is very much appreciated by the patients, their families and the staff looking after them.

"It gives them an enormous boost. We can see that every time he visits them - and there is a positive buzz afterwards."

Margaret Gately, who works as a matron on the burns and plastic unit, said: "His visits are always well received. It gives a boost to the patients and their families.

"In the last six months he has come here on numerous occasions and he always spends time with the patients and is very down-to-earth."