The 30-year-old Prince laid a personal wreath with a note that read: 'There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. They will never be forgotten'
Prince Harry returned to Afghanistan today to take part in a remembrance service in Kandahar, where troops paused in silent vigil to the more than 450 British servicemen killed fighting the Taliban.
The 30-year-old prince, who served in the country from 2007-08 and 2012-13 laid a personal wreath with the heartfelt note: "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. They will never be forgotten. Harry.”
Earlier this year, three British troops from Prince Harry's former Army unit were killed in the UK's worst helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
The quote comes from Bible passage John 15:13, which Harry read as part of the service before lining up for The Last Post.
Security was extremely tight around the prince’s trip, with details of his visit not announced until this afternoon after he was already safely out of the country.
Harry flew into Kandahar Airfield as a representative on the Queen, who led the nation in remembering the country's war dead at the Cenotaph in London.
The final British troops are due to be pulled out of Afghanistan by the end of the year as operations in the country wind down.
A royal spokesman said: "Prince Harry was honoured to be able to attend the last remembrance service in southern Afghanistan, especially given his personal experience of operational service.
"He felt it important to mark this significant milestone, remembering all those who have lost their lives during the campaign."
During his brief visit today, the prince met with British servicemen and women from 31 squadron of Norfolk-based RAF Marham.
He also received a briefing on how the Tornado aircraft had provided close air support to Afghan operations over the last few months.
Reflecting upon the final Remembrance Sunday ceremony in the south of the country, Commander Joint Force Support (Afghanistan), Brigadier Darrell Amison, said: " Today, members of the Armed Forces and our civilian counterparts in Kandahar joined the nation in honouring the lives and sacrifice of the Fallen in Afghanistan, along with those who have lost their lives and been injured in the line of duty during the First World War and in conflicts since.
"We will forever be in debt to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget their extraordinary courage and dedication, and our thoughts will always remain with the families and friends of those we have lost.
"The final Remembrance Sunday ceremony in southern Afghanistan has significant poignancy as we pay tribute to the 453 men and women who have given their lives since 2001, along with the many hundreds who have suffered life changing injuries.
"We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Thanks to their sacrifice, Afghanistan is a better country and we walk in safer streets at home in the UK. We Will Remember Them.
