Prince William laid a wreath to remember war dead yesterday that made special mention of two friends of his who have given their lives in battle, on a note which read, ‘For Jo, Lex and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.’

Joanna Dyer, a 2nd lieutenant who trained alongside him, and Major Alexis Roberts, who was his platoon commander and mentor at Sandhurst were both killed by IEDs on tours of duty.