London: Hailing the valour of Nepalese Gurkha soldiers in the British Armed Forces, Prince Harry has said he wanted to join the Gurkhas himself but did not get an opportunity.

The 30-year-old Prince told the guests of his admiration for the soldiers at a moving celebration marking two centuries of Gurkha service with the British Armed Forces, as senior royals and military veterans alike bowed their heads in memory of those who died in the devastating quakes in Nepal.