Prince Charles has led tributes to Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, the highest ranking soldier killed in action since the Falklands War.

The commander of the 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards and 18-year-old trooper Joshua Hammond died in a roadside bomb explosion last Wednesday.

In a statement, Prince Charles said: "The shock and horror that has affected the whole of the regiment family was quite dramatic. I was horrified to say the least about both deaths, Trooper Hammond as well."

The monarch added that the news of the soldier's death was "completely heartbreaking".

"To lose a commanding officer who was such an inspiring person is an awful tragedy. Having been Colonel-in-Chief of the Welsh Guards for the last 34 years, as you can imagine it is a wonderful family regiment and for 34 years I've seen sons and grandsons go through."

On the news, prime minister Gordon Brown said: "They were very professional soldiers, they were serving in Afghanistan in the most difficult terrain. Lt Col Thorneloe was someone I know, someone I worked with, someone I admired.

"I would also like to pass on my condolences to his family and also the family of Trooper Hammond, who was a very brave young man," he added.

The two soldiers died as their heavily armoured Viking vehicle returned to the brigade's headquarters at Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province.
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