Prince Charles makes surprise visit to troops in Afghanistan

Prince Charles has made a surprise visit to troops serving on the frontline in Afghanistan, after revealing that he has wanted to go to the country for a long time.

"I am thrilled to have got here at last because I just wanted to see the kind of conditions they were in and also to try to generally take an interest and encourage," he explained.

During the two-day trip, the prince visited the Afghan capital Kabul, as well as Lashkar Gar, the capital of Helmand Province.

He praised members of the armed forces for the "extraordinary" role they are playing in the war in Afghanistan in both military terms as well as in aiding civil power.

Sergeant Major Guy Harris says the prince’s visit was a boost to morale for soldiers who have been serving in the country for six months.

This is the second time troops in Afghanistan have received a visit from a notable British figure in recent months – Gordon Brown praised troops earlier in March, saying he was "really, really proud" of them.