THE Prince of Wales joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe in London today.

Lt Col Thorneloe, 39, the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards, died in an explosion in Afghanistan on July 1.

The father-of-two, from Kirtlington, was the most senior Army officer to be killed in action since the Falklands War.

Prince Charles, a friend of the soldier, had a private meeting with his widow Sally before yesterday’s ceremony.

Earlier Mrs Thorneloe said her husband’s death had been a devastating blow to herself and their two daughters Hannah and Sophie.

She described him as a “caring, adoring and loving husband and father”.

The service, at London’s Wellington Barracks, heard tributes from former Defence Secretary Des Browne, who also knew the officer, and Lt Col Thorneloe's father, Major John Thorneloe.

Eight standard bearers from the Welsh Guards lowered their flags in tribute as the hearse was driven into the grounds of the chapel.

On top of the coffin were Lt Col Thorneloe’s sword, his scabbard, forage cap, belt and medals, as well as a wreath of white roses.

The congregation sang hymns including Cwm Rhondda, Jerusalem and Men of Harlech, the regimental song of the Welsh Guards.

Major Dai Bevan, who served with Lt Col Thorneloe, said: “He was an exceptionally inspirational man who always led from the front.

“All of us in the Welsh Guards feel extremely proud and privileged to have been commanded by such a capable and gifted soldier.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this heartbreaking time.”

Mr Browne praised Lt Col Thorneloe for his “unquestioned loyalty, his absolute integrity and his magnificent commitment”. He said: “This man simply made the extraordinary ordinary.

“It’s the mark of the man who produced the goods.

“The mark of how much energy and intellect it required without drama, without breaking sweat and without leaving a trail of debris to mark his contribution as any other people would have done.”

Speaking directly to his widow, he added: “As you know more than anyone, he was first in and he was last out. He never left the office until the work was finished.”

Mr Browne then told the congregation two poignant anecdotes about his former aide.

The first was about how both of them had indecipherable handwriting which was a “constant source of amusement”.

Talking about the second, he said: “His catchphrase which I will never forget — ‘fancy a brew sir’.

“To me that was always one of the best moments of the day.

“Ten minutes over a cup of tea with Rupert was beyond price.”

Trooper Joshua Hammond, of 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was also killed in the explosion close to the Shamalan Canal, near Lashkar Gah, in Helmand.