Prince Harry yesterday paid tribute to those who died serving the British military in Afghanistan with a verse from the Gospel of John.

Laying a wreath at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, where he served between 2007 and 2008 and then again 2012-1013, the Prince's note bore the words: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. They will never be forgotten. Harry."

The verse comes from John chapter 15, a passage which Harry read as part of a Remembrance Day service commemorating the lives of those who died during WW1 a century ago, as well as in conflicts since.

A spokesman for the Royal 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."

The Prince was in Afghanistan on behalf of the Queen, and met with troops from his former unit who are serving their final tour of the country.

Harry's first deployment to Afghanistan was cut short after a media-blackout on his whereabouts was broken by an Australian magazine in January 2008.