Prince William friend killed in IraqPRINCE William was "deeply saddened" to learn that one of the female British soldiers killed in Iraq this week was his close friend and colleague, his office said.
Jo Dyer graduated from the elite Sandhurst military academy alongside William in December, in front of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
The army second lieutenant was killed by a roadside bomb attack west of the southern city of Basra, along with three colleagues and a local civilian interpreter.
"Prince William is deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of Jo Dyer's death," the 24-year-old's Clarence House residence said.
"Jo was a close friend of his at Sandhurst and he is very much thinking of her family and friends right now and they will remain in his thoughts and prayers."
2nd Lt Dyer was attached to the Second Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to gain operational experience in Iraq.
The deaths of 2nd Lt Dyer and Private Eleanor Dlugsoz in Thursday's attack brought to four the number of female British personnel killed since the start of the US-led invasion in March 2003.
Overall, 140 British troops have died since hostilities began.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Kenyon, 2nd Lt Dyer's commanding officer, said "her contribution to our operations, even within a few short weeks, was invaluable''.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said the deaths were the "result of a terrorist act".
William, second in line to the British throne, is an officer in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry. The second lieutenant is known as Cornet Wales in the army.
William's brother Prince Harry, 22, is preparing to serve in southern Iraq with the
Blues and Royals.
Source:
From correspondents in London
April 07, 2007 06:43pm
Article from: Agence France-Presse
