Afghanistan fell to the Taliban weeks ago, with the insurgent group able to clinch power after 20 years, following a western troop withdrawal. The collapse of the occupied regime led to a sudden and significant evacuation of locals hoping to flee potential reprisals from the country's new leaders. Amid the chaos, reports have stated Prince William, who once served with the British Army, helped a former acquaintance of his escape.

       The Duke of Cambridge is one of several royals with a military record.

       He and his brother, Prince Harry, served in the British Army before their full-time royal duties.

       William opted for a military career in 2006 when he attended the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.

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       The Prince achieved his "wings" after training and undertook an attachment with RAF Cranwell in 2008.

       During his time at Sandhurst, he met an Afghan officer, according to the Daily Telegraph.

       The officer had reportedly joined the Afghan National Army, which worked closely with British soldiers.

       He and his family group of more than 10 allegedly had trouble taking a flight to safety.

       Their proximity to British military personnel meant they risked becoming Taliban targets.

       The Prince reached out to Naval officer Rob Dixon, who has served as his equerry since September, as he heard about their struggle.

       Lieutenant Commander Dixon contacted army personnel and the officer, and subsequently arranged safe air passage to the UK.

       Although William knew the officer was experiencing trouble, their connection comes from Sandhurst.

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       The Duke visited Afghanistan once before when he boarded a C-17 Globemaster plane to retrieve the body of Trooper Robert Pearson in 2008.

       He returned to the country in an official royal capacity in 2010 to attend a Remembrance Day memorial service at Camp Bastion, a former British Army base.

       The move to aid the Afghan officer has earned him high praise from military officials on the ground.

       Major Andrew Fox, a former paratrooper who aided interpreters during the withdrawal, said his actions were "fully in line" with Army teachings.

       He added: "We're trained to help where we can."

       General Sir Richard Barrons, former Joint Forces Command, said ignoring pleas from a vulnerable Afghan "would have been intolerable".

       He added the Prince did "an entirely reasonable thing".

       He added there is a "bond" between officers training together that fosters "friendship and loyalty".