Fields of Remembrance for Afghanistan war dead

Harry, who has served in Afghanistan, planted a cross dedicated to his friend Lance Corporal of Horse Jonathan Woodgate in the Royal British Legion Wootton Bassett Field of Remembrance.

L/Cpl of Horse Woodgate, 26, who was in the Household Cavalry Regiment with the Prince, was killed on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand, on March 26 this year.

His father Tony Woodgate said: "I shall remember this moment forever.

"It was very emotional. I've cried more tears in the last few months than I have ever done."

Prince Harry, who was in full Household Cavalry dress uniform with a blue Army Air Corps Beret, also took part in a two-minute silence ceremony to honour the 342 men and women killed in Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2001.

As many as 35,000 crosses are expected to be planted during the coming days within the grounds of Lydiard Park, each with a personal message from members of the public in order to commemorate those who died.

Prince Harry also met teams from the Army, Navy, RAF and Royal Marines who are hoping to raise 1m for the Royal British Legion in the 1,000-mile March For Honour, ending at the Royal Albert Hall on Armistice Day, tomorrow.

The Field of Remembrance at Lydiard Park's Walled Garden will be open daily from 9am until 4pm until November 21.

Anne Bevis, the Royal British Legion repatriation officer, said: "It's fabulous to have a poppy field for Wootton Bassett.

It's very good that Harry's taken the time to come here and lay a cross for his friend.

"This is the first field of its kind and we're very proud."