Britain's Prince William and Prince Harry have paid tribute to a Fijian soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Britain's defence ministry has confirmed that trooper Ratu Babakobau died when his patrol vehicle hit a mine last Friday.

The 29-year-old soldier arrived in Afghanistan last month and was on his first mission overseas.

Fijilive reports three other soldiers were injured in the explosion while on routine patrol in Helmand province.

Trooper Babakobau was a member of Prince William's 60-strong squadron and is is survived by his wife and two sons

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