Prince praises soldier killed by mine

LONDON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Prince William of Britain described a trooper he had commanded who was killed in Afghanistan as an "exceptional soldier."

William issued a joint statement with his younger brother, Prince Harry, extending condolences to the family of Trooper James "Magpie" Munday, The Telegraph reported. Munday, 21, was killed by an explosion while on patrol two weeks before he was to return to Britain.

Munday, from Birmingham, was a member of the Household Cavalry. Prince William was his commanding officer during his period with the regiment, while Prince Harry remains a subaltern in the regiment.

"He was a rising star in his peer group and a truly brilliant Life Guard and Household Cavalryman," said Lt. Col Harry Fullerton, the regiment's commanding officer. "He served on this tour with courage, honor, humility and always put his colleagues' interest first."

William, who is now training with the Royal Air Force, is barred as heir to the throne from combat service. Harry served in Afghanistan with his regiment but was returned to Britain when it became public.