Prince Harry returns to Sandhurst to present honours

Prince Harry returns to Sandhurst to present honours

Prince Harry returned to his old stomping ground of Sandhurst military academy today when he stepping in for the Queen to present honours. 

Harry, who graduated from the institution 11 years ago, represented his grandmother at the historic Sovereign's Parade, handing out awards to four of the top officer cadets passing out. 

The appearance came on the same day that it was announced his wedding to Meghan Markle would take place on May 19.

Harry shared some personal memories of his own passing out, joking that his thoughts had been focused on the chilly weather rather than his achievement in becoming an officer.

Addressing the new recruits on the bright but bitterly cold December day, he said: 'It is not the first time that I have been a part of this parade but it is certainly my first one facing in this direction - and with facial hair!

'A little over 11 years ago, I was stood where you are today. Although I confess, I don't remember any deep thoughts of duty, responsibility and leadership at that point.

My head was filled with much more immediate concerns: numb feet, the buckle of my braces digging into my collarbone, a burning in my arm from the weight of the rifle; and above all, desperate attempts to remember what the next words of command were, to avoid drawing the attention from the Academy sergeant major one last time!'

The Band of the Scots Guards played music including Adele's Rolling In The Deep, as the soldiers marched in front of Harry.

He presented the Sword of Honour to Senior Under Officer Charles Rex, from Dorset, and the Queen's Medal to Officer Cadet George Harrison from Wiltshire.

The International Award was presented to Officer Cadet Mingdong Tang from China, and the International Sword to Officer Cadet Milosh Trendevski from Macedonia. 

The Sovereign's Parade takes place at the end of each term for those who have completed the intensive, year-long Commissioning Course.

More than 200 commissioning officers were on the parade ground in Camberley, Surrey, for the visit of Harry, who left the Army in 2015.

Harry presented the Sword of Honour, Overseas Sword, Queen's Medal and International Award. 

The prince was inspected by his grandmother the Queen during his own commissioning in April 2006, and was pictured grinning as she smiled at him. 

 Sandhurst, where the Army's officers are trained, has hosted many famous graduates including the Sultan of Brunei, Sir Winston Churchill, fascist Sir Oswald Mosley, James Bond author Ian Fleming and actor David Niven, as well as members of the royal family, including the Duke of Cambridge.

Harry has previously described his decade-long Army career as 'epic', saying that while it had started as a boyhood dream of his it eventually became a way for him to 'escape the limelight'.

During his 10 years in the military Harry went on two tours of duty to Afghanistan and qualified as an Apache aircraft commander. 

Kensington Palace announced today that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding is to take place on Saturday May 19.

The pair, whose engagement was confirmed last month, are tying the knot at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

American actress Ms Markle is set to appear at church with the Windsors at Sandringham on Christmas Day.