Charles praises 'remarkable' contribution of black servicemen in world wars

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the "remarkable" contribution servicemen from the West Indies and Africa made during the First and Second World Wars as he met veterans in south London.

Speaking during a visit to the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, the heir to the throne praised the institution which is home to a wealth of documents chronicling the history of black people in Britain.

During an impromptu speech, Charles said: "It's so encouraging that now, at last, you have a centre such as this which allows you to develop so many opportunities, but also to bring the message to so many people in this country and elsewhere about the remarkable contribution made over so long by people from African and Caribbean descent, who have contributed so much to this country.

"And we're very lucky that you have made that contribution, and particularly so, if I may say so, during the First World War and Second World War."

Charles appeared to be battling a cold, first mentioned during an engagement last week, as he was pictured with a reddened nose.