Harry fought the Taliban alongside Gurkhas recruited into the British Army from Nepal. Many of them had their education in Kathmandu or India.

The Gurkhas from the First battalion -- The Royal Gurkha Rifles -- knew his identity but did not reveal it to anyone. The forward base is considered one of the ‘hottest’ in Afghanistan due to the intensity of fighting.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jonny Bourne, commanding officer of First Battalion, said: "FOB Delhi is probably the busiest place in Helmand, with attacks daily -- rockets, mortars, small arms fire, that sort of thing".

He said that for all practical purposes, Prince Harry was just another member of the team fighting on the ground.

Harry served as the joint tactical air controller.

The place of Harry's posting near the town of Garmsir is reported to be the first stop for jihadis heading north into Helmand from the lawless Pakistani border region.