Camilla meets medics before Afghanistan deployment

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall met with medical staff about to deploy to Afghanistan when she visited the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus yesterday (15.02.11).

The wife of Britain's Prince Charles - commodore-in-chief of the Royal Naval Medical Services - was given a tour of the fleet's facilities and went aboard a hospital ship during the engagement in Portsmouth Naval Base on the south coast of England.

During the tour Camilla spoke with members of the Joint Force Medical Group who are about to deploy to Afghanistan and was treated to a demonstration of simulated casualties arriving on the ship and being treated.

Leading naval nurse Gina Horner, who is among the group who will travel to the war torn country, said: "Camilla was lovely, very friendly and asked about my feelings at being deployed for the first time."

The duchess also met members of the Royal Marines Band who double as stretcher bearers and was given a tour of the bridge and a brief guide to the operation of the engines and steering.

Commanding Officer Captain Paul Kehoe, praised Camilla's visit saying it would raise the profile of the work being done.