Royal Watch News

Prince Edward visits Afghanistan

Sep 11, 2009, 11:00 GMT

Britain's Prince Edward has visited troops in Afghanistan.

The 45-year-old royal arrived in Helmand province on Tuesday (08.09.09), and spent Wednesday (09.09.09) in Sangin with soldiers of 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, of which he is the Royal Colonel.

Major Marc Briggs told Sky: "It's an honour to have our Royal Colonel come to see the battalion when we're so far forward in the fight.

"The level of support from home the battalion has received throughout the tour has been immense.

"The visit of His Royal Highness only reinforces the level of public support we've experienced."

The unit has been in the region or five months trying to help it become secure, and working with the Afghanistan army and police force.

While there, the prince had dinner with troops and told them he hoped the last weeks of their mission were "painless and productive".

He then travelled to Bahrain to see the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary on Thursday (10.09.09).