Speaking from the Portsmouth frigate HMS Iron Duke, Commander Mark Newland said the second in line to the throne had shown professionalism after just four days on operation in the Caribbean.

The young royal was in the Lynx helicopter that flew to investigate a speedboat laden with drugs off Barbados, as reported in later editions of The News yesterday.

Cdr Newland said: 'I don't want to single out any one member of my crew, but I would say Sub Lieutenant Wales is a professional young officer who clearly adds value.

'This is our first raid in our first week and having him here was advantageous to us.'

Nearly a ton of cocaine was seized in the joint operation with the US Coast Guard on Saturday.

Cdr Newland said Sub Lt Wales had learned a lot from the operation, which began three days earlier with intelligence-gathering.

He said: 'One of my jobs is to expose him to every aspect I can of working in this particular theatre.

'This operation lasted 72 hours and it gave him a chance to see several distinct phases, which he will be able to draw on in his future career.'

Cdr Newland added: 'I want to thank everyone who made this raid possible so soon after we arrived in theatre.

'People will be interested in Prince William but there are 189 other sailors who deserve recognition for taking these drugs out of circulation, including guys of 19 or 20 driving the boats that made the boarding possible.'

Former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, said: 'This is a fantastic effort by a young Royal and it will serve to highlight the brave work being done by the navy.

'William is a professional serviceman and follows in the illustrious footsteps of his father and grandfather in doing a great job for the forces.

'Successful drugs raids have a direct impact on the trade, reducing the amount of illegal narcotics on our streets.'

matt.jackson@thenews.co.uk