The Prince of Wales has made a surprise trip to Afghanistan - becoming the most senior royal to visit British troops on the frontline.
Charles, a Commander in Chief of 10 regiments, spent the night with soldiers at Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province, after becoming the "the only royal in living memory" to visit Kabul, Clarence House confirmed.
His spokesman said he had been "very pleased" to have spent time with troops, having been "keen" to make the trip for several years.
During the two-day tour, the Prince, who wore an armoured jacket with goggles and helmet, visited bases in Nad-e-Ali, where much of the UK's effort was based during Operation Moshtarak, and Lashkar Gah.
After being told of the progress troops were making, Charles left a wreath paying tribute to dead soldiers at Camp Bastion. He was also given a chance to try out British troops' mine clearance equipment.
A Clarence House spokesman said: "The Prince of Wales has wanted to go to Afghanistan for several years and was very keen to see for himself the Armed Forces and allied members.
"He was also keen to see civilian involvement in regeneration projects and to thank them for their incredible efforts."
During a briefing from troops, Brigadier James Cowan, Commander of Task Force Helmand Black Watch, told Charles the troops were winning the trust of locals.
He said: "We have greatly reduced the use of lethal force through courageous restraint which requires our soldiers to be much more courageous, to put themselves in harm's way. As a result, we see many people coming over to our side and starting to trust us."
Charles met several Afghanistan government ministers as well as tribal and religious leaders to "gain their perspective on reintroducing stability", the Clarence House spokesman added. He spoke to President Hamid Karzai before flying in but they were unable to meet during the visit.
