The heir to the British throne - whose youngest son Harry spent ten weeks serving in Afghanistan in 2008 - said he understood how difficult it was for loved ones left at home while the forces were fighting abroad.
He told an audience of military heroes at The Sun Military Awards at London's imperial War Museum last night (15.12.10): "I know only too well how unbearably tough it can be for those left behind when their loved ones go off to fight in many cases knowing only what they see and hear on television, which can be so often adjusted to fit an editorial agenda."
Prince Harry is now completing Apache helicopter training in the hopes of returning to Afghanistan while Charles' oldest son Prince William is a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force in Wales.
Charles, 62, - who was accompanied by his wife, Camilla Duchess of Wales - also praised the serving members of Britain's military.
He said: "We remember those who are deployed at this very moment on operations throughout the world.
"But particularly in Afghanistan, where there have been so many acts of extraordinary courage and when every time a soldier steps out of camp gates they have to face their ultimate fears."
