PRINCE Harry today took part in a memorial in Edinburgh to troops who fell during his tour of Afghanistan – on the day that four more British soldiers were killed in the country.
The 23-year-old Household Cavalry officer joined 200 servicemen and women on the Royal Mile ahead of a service at the city's St Giles' Cathedral.
Today's event was held to pay tribute to the 24 British, Danish, American and Czech soldiers who lost their lives during the deployment of the 52 Infantry Brigade in Helmand Province from October to April.
But it came as news emerged of the deaths of
four British soldiers in a blast east of Lashkar Gah.
Harry was among the 200 soldiers, sailors and airmen representing their units in the colourful parade through the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town.
The troops, led by a dozen-strong pipe band, were applauded by the hundreds of onlookers who made their way down to the cathedral from the start at Johnston Terrace.
There were shouts of "Well done" as the soldiers passed by.
Harry wore his khaki service dress and a navy cap with a red trim.
The troops went on to join families of those killed or wounded at the memorial service, along with UK Defence Secretary Des Browne and his Danish counterpart, Soren Gade.
The Prince spent 10 weeks on the frontline before being flown home in February amid fears for his safety when his deployment was reported in foreign media.
Around 7,500 soldiers were deployed under 52 Brigade command on Operation Herrick 7.
The Brigade, whose headquarters are at Edinburgh Castle, handed over to 16 Air Assault on April 10.
Harry's involvement was kept secret by the UK media to prevent details reaching the Taliban and endangering him and his comrades.
He was removed after news was leaked on a US website.
Inside the cathedral around 400 members of the Armed Forces gathered, including senior officers and the Prince.
Alongside them were the families of 10 of the 11 British personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan during the tour.
As the congregation entered the cathedral, the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland performed a selection of pieces.
The service of memorial and thanksgiving was opened by Rev Neil Allison, chaplain to 52 Infantry Brigade, who also completed a six-month tour of duty.
In his opening prayer he gave thanks for those who served their nation "in the midst of intense conflict, for their resolution, perseverance and an undaunted spirit".
He also said a prayer for the families of the service personnel who had lost their lives, "giving their last full measure in selfless service".
Lieutenant Colonel Kim Kristensen, Commander of the Danish Battle Group in Helmand, then delivered the lesson which was St Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians.
The congregation then stood to sing the hymn Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind.
Brigadier Andrew Mackay, Commander of 52 Infantry Brigade and Taskforce Helmand, stood and read aloud the names of those who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
As he did so, many members of the families broke down in tears.
A lone piper played the lament The Flowers Of The Forest as he walked away.
A Royal Marines bugler then sounded The Last Post.
There was a two-minute silence followed by the bugler sounding Reveille.
Rev Neil Gardner, minister of Canongate Kirk and chaplain to Edinburgh Castle, then offered a prayer for all those who are still serving in the war-torn country.
He said: "Grant them courage and loyalty but may they remain true to the highest traditions of their profession and keep them strong to meet every challenge and demand.
"We pray too for their families and friends back home anxiously waiting and watching for their safe return."
A reflection was read out in the Hindu tradition by Prem Prasad Gaire, from the Queen's Gurkha Engineers.
Rev Grant Ashton, Assistant Chaplain General 3rd (United Kingdom) Division, continued with a prayer for their "departed and those who continue to suffer".
He added: "We also pray for those who receive bad news today."
A prayer was then said for peace and the service was brought to an end after 45 minutes with the National Anthem followed by the Benediction given by the Very Reverend Gilleasbuig Macmillan, minister of St Giles' Cathedral.
After the service Defence Secretary Des Browne made a point of talking to some of the bereaved families who gathered outside the cathedral.
The full article contains 763 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
