Charles Visits Worcestershire

6 June 2013, 15:24 | Updated: 6 June 2013, 17:12

The Prince of Wales has given the Mercian Regiment their new silk colours at a ceremony in the city

Charles, as Colonel-in-Chief of The Mercian Regiment, formally presented each of the unit's four battalions - three regular, one territorial - with their new silk colours.

Traditionally, the flags would form a rallying point for the men of the regiment on the battlefield and are emblazoned with the names of famous campaigns the unit has fought in.

At a ceremony at the Sixways Stadium in Worcester the Prince addressed the 500 soldiers parading for the occasion and said: ''I am endlessly proud of you all.''

The Prince of Wales then went to Mazak UK in Worcester to see workers where they build machines that make products from a formula 1 steering wheel to a Tour de France racing bike:

Earlier in the day when he met the soldiers he addressed the parade, saying: ''Today symbolises a special and historic moment of the whole Mercian regimental family, something serving soldiers, veterans, families and friends will all equally feel proud to be part of.

''As your Colonel-in-Chief I am also endlessly proud of you all and especially pleased to be able to share this day with you.''

It is the first time the unit has held such a presentation since its formation in 2007.

He also praised the families for their ''support and resilience'' while the regiment has served abroad, most recently in Afghanistan.

He also said he was aware the regiment faced ''real challenges'' and ''sadness'' at the planned loss of its 3rd battalion, when its soldiers return from a tour of Afghanistan in 2014.

The battalion is being cut as part of a shake-up of the Army, previously announced by the Ministry of Defence.

He added: ''I wish you all every possible success and good fortune for the future.''

His last stop was at Morgan Motor Company in Malvern where he took a spin in a sports car to the delight of factory staff

Charles seemed eager to take the wheel when offered the choice of seats in a red Morgan '+4' during a tour of the production line

He was also impressed with the Company's three-wheeler model, saying: ''It's a bit like a Wallace and Gromit car.''

Later he tried his hand at the manufacturing process, stamping part of a bonnet cover.