Prince William at the controls of a Sea King. Photo: Flight Sergeant Andy Carnall/MoD

Mountain rescue patron Prince William today joined British troops in Afghanistan for their Remembrance Sunday service.

The prince, who is a qualified search and rescue helicopter pilot, laid a wreath in memory of fallen servicemen and women at the ceremony in Camp Bastion.

His wreath bore the note: “For Jo, Lex and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

William, who is patron of Mountain Rescue England & Wales and who last year climbed to the top of Helvellyn with Lake District mountain rescuers, joined Defence Secretary Liam Fox in a two-minute silence at the camp in Helmand province, which was attended by 2,500 troops.

The trip was a closely guarded secret. After the visit, William said the occasion was extremely important to him, not only to remember personal friends he had lost, but everyone who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Ranger Gareth Murdoch, from the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, said they only learned of the Prince’s visit 15 minutes before he arrived.

“It was a good surprise,” he said. “It gives the boys a bit of morale; it’s good to see the hierarchy coming to see us.

“It’s a big event, a very big event – it’s great to see all the soldiers getting together and remembering our forebrothers.”

Sgt Nick Rodgers, serving with Brigade Reconnaissance Force, 16 Air Assault Brigade, met the prince. He said: “It’s a big occasion all round. We’ve got to stay focused for the job in hand but it’s still recognised throughout.

“We know that he wants to be here; to be honest, he would rather be out fighting with us so it’s good to see him here.”

Prince William and Dr Fox also met members of the Afghan National Army, as well as Commonwealth troops.

The Great Gable memorial

The prince, who is known as Flight Lieutenant Wales, flies Sea King helicopters in search and rescue missions from his base at RAF Valley, Anglesey.

• A memorial service is held each Remembrance Sunday on the summit of Great Gable in the Lake District to commemorate climbers and mountaineers who have perished in the service of their country. The Fell and Rock Climbing Club-organised event takes place around the summit plaque. A similar event takes place on England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, which was donated to the National Trust in 1920 by Lord Leconfield in memory of those ‘who fell for God and King, for freedom, peace and right in the Great War’.