Australian Victoria Cross winner Keith Payne has reflected on the current strife the world is facing as he met the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh alongside other war heroes.
The 81-year-old was among 23 recipients of the George Cross or Victoria Cross to meet the Queen and Prince Philip at a reception at Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday.
The occasion was part of a biennial three-day series of Royal events honouring servicemen and veterans.
Mr Payne, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1969 for leading soldiers to safety following an attack in Vietnam, said the event was all the more significant given the current situations facing the world.
"I think events like this have become more and more important with the strife that the world is in now," he said.
"They help to strengthen the bond between allies and recognise the great acts of bravery that happen, not just in the armed forces but by civilians too.
"It gives a bit of a morale boost to know there are still Victoria and George Crosses being handed out."
The decorated group, including Australian Afghanistan war veterans Ben Roberts-Smith, Corporal Daniel Keighran and Corporal Mark Donaldson, on Monday met the Prince of Wales at St James's Palace, and will meet Prince Harry on Wednesday.
The parents of Cameron Baird, who was awarded his VC posthumously in February this year, are also taking part in this week's events.
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