The prince, who attended last night’s Military Awards with brother William and sister-in-law Catherine Middleton, told the ceremony’s audience he hoped to help out in the army again.

“Like my brother, I share many of the same hopes, the same aspirations to go on operations, and the same fears as all those who serve our Queen and country,” he said.

Harry, who has been undertaking Apache helicopter training in the US, described all the members of the armed forces were “inspirational role models to all young Britons”.

“It’s often said of our armed forces that they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” he added. “Well, I don’t entirely buy that. Ordinary people don’t run out under withering enemy rocket and heavy machine gunfire to rescue a wounded comrade.

“Ordinary people don’t brave monsoon conditions dangling on a winch line to rescue 13 people, each in turn.

The prince, who served in Afghanistan before being outed by media, also paid tribute to the family members of those who went to battle for Britain.

“The strength and courage it must take to see your husband or your wife, your father or mother, son or daughter, head off into the unknown – and to support them doing it – I can hardly even imagine,” he said.

Others in attendance on the night were footballing superstar David Beckham, accompanied by sons Brooklyn and Cruz; celeb chef; Gordon Ramsay, funnyman Jimmy Carr; and England and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard, accompanied his girlfriend Christine Bleakley.

McFly members Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter also showed up to grace the red carpet.