PinkLady

Prince William was "deeply saddened" to learn that one of the female British soldiers killed Thursday in
Iraq was one of his close friends and colleagues.
Jo Dyer graduated from the elite Sandhurst military academy alongside William in December.

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."

Dyer was attached to the Second Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to gain operational experience in Iraq.

The deaths of 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, Dyer's commanding officer, said: "Her contribution to our operations, even within a few short weeks, was invaluable."

Prime Minister
Tony Blair said Thursday the deaths were "as a 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.