Prince's horror at soldier deaths

Prince Charles: "It is completely heartbreaking"

The Prince of Wales has said he was horrified about the deaths of two soldiers in Afghanistan, including his friend, Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe.

The British officer, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed in an explosion in Helmand province on Wednesday.

He was killed with Trooper Joshua Hammond, 18, in the same vehicle.

The prince, colonel-in-chief of the Welsh Guards, spoke as he and the Duchess of Cornwall toured the county.

'Completely heartbreaking'

He said: "As you can imagine, 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.

"Having been to visit the Welsh Guards at Aldershot before they left to go to Afghanistan, having met the families and having met Col Rupert's wife, my heart is very much with them.

"It's completely heartbreaking."

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are welcomed by crowds on a visit to Lostwithiel

He said the whole battalion was suffering.

"To lose a commanding officer who was such an inspiring person is an awful tragedy.

"It just goes to show the troops out there are meeting daily horrors.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their service."

Thousands of people lined the streets of Exeter in neighbouring Devon on Friday to welcome home nearly 700 troops from Afghanistan.

The Duke of Edinburgh took the salute in the parade.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were in Lostwithiel where they met the Bishop of Truro before the Duchess opened the new Berryfields Community Centre in Bodmin.

The purpose-built new community and children's centre was completed in September 2008.

The site of the old centre is currently being developed as a play and outdoor exercise facility providing activities for local residents.

The couple, who visited the Isles of Scilly on Thursday, will then visit the Integrated Health Centre in Truro.

They will listen to a presentation from the pupils who have been involved in the concept of the new Integrated Health Centre and will tour the building and meet those involved.

The Prince and Duchess will also cut a ribbon to officially open the centre before visiting the canteen where a reception for donors and supporters will take place.