Photostream : Britain's Prince Andrew Visits Troops in Afghanistan

His Royal Highness the Duke of York (Britain's Prince Andrew) has visited the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah as part of a visit to southern Afghanistan, December 19, 2010. During the visit, the Duke of York heard about the Team’s work, alongside British military effort, to support security and stability in the Province. Speaking about the visit, Mr Leo Tomlin, acting Deputy of Head of Mission at the Provincial Reconstruction Team said: "I know colleagues were delighted that the Duke of York was able to visit and hear about our work. The work being undertaken by civilians here, often in quite difficult conditions, continues to play a critical part in putting Helmand, and wider Afghanistan, on a secure and stable footing. The Duke was pleased to see the visible signs of steady progress across all areas of security, governance and development from when he visited last year."

The Duke of York (Britain's Prince Andrew), right,  made a surprise visit to British troops across Afghanistan (December 19, 2010) as more than 10,000 servicemen and women prepared to spend Christmas away from home. The Duke flew into Camp Bastion in Helmand province on Thursday evening and met personnel from the Fleet Air Arm, of which he is Commodore-in-Chief. After spending the night in Camp Bastion, the Duke viewed Apache, Merlin and Chinook helicopters with Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith from the Joint Helicopter Force yesterday. He later visited the main field hospital at Camp Bastion. The Duke, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Yorkshire Regiment, met soldiers and officers from the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, and watched a display of counter-IED (improvised explosive device) drills. 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment is currently in Afghanistan as part of an operation to help mentor troops from the Afghan National Army.

Rallying the troops: Among the places the Duke of York toured was the Sea King helicopter hangar in Camp Bastion, where he met personnel from the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy. The Duke of York donned full military gear as he flew into Afghanistan to rally the troops over the weekend. Wearing a beret and desert camouflage, Prince Andrew arrived in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, on Saturday and stayed overnight at the base. His Royal Highness toured military bases on his brief trip, before meeting members of The Royal Irish Regiment and 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Talking to the troops: The Duke of York meets Airmen from the 1419 Flight, Royal Air Force.