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Harry withdrawn from Afghanistan Harry withdrawn from Afghanistan
(20 minutes later)
Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan after news of his secret deployment leaked out.Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan after news of his secret deployment leaked out.
The 23-year-old royal, who has spent the last 10 weeks serving in Helmand Province, is to be flown back to the UK amid concerns for his safety.The 23-year-old royal, who has spent the last 10 weeks serving in Helmand Province, is to be flown back to the UK amid concerns for his safety.
The move follows the collapse of a news blackout deal over his tour of duty, which was broken by foreign media.The move follows the collapse of a news blackout deal over his tour of duty, which was broken by foreign media.
There had been fears the prince, who is third in line to the throne, could become a target for the Taleban.There had been fears the prince, who is third in line to the throne, could become a target for the Taleban.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described the reporting of Harry's deployment by foreign media as "regrettable" but said that contingency plans for such a leak were in place.In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described the reporting of Harry's deployment by foreign media as "regrettable" but said that contingency plans for such a leak were in place.
It added that while the prince should have returned "in a matter of weeks" with his Household Cavalry regiment battlegroup, the situation had now "clearly changed".It added that while the prince should have returned "in a matter of weeks" with his Household Cavalry regiment battlegroup, the situation had now "clearly changed".
'Risks''Risks'
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, in consultation with head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, had taken the final decision to withdraw Harry immediately, the statement said.Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, in consultation with head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, had taken the final decision to withdraw Harry immediately, the statement said.
HAVE YOUR SAYPrince Harry is a trained soldier. I'm in the service too and I'm pleased for him that he was allowed to goDeborah, Hampshire, UKSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYPrince Harry is a trained soldier. I'm in the service too and I'm pleased for him that he was allowed to goDeborah, Hampshire, UKSend us your comments
"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier," it added."This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier," it added.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to the prince and said the country owed him a "debt of gratitude" for his service in Afghanistan, but he added that it was correct to bring Harry back to the UK.
"Security considerations come first. That has been the deciding factor which was made by our defence staff and I think that everybody will respect that is the right decision."
He thanked Harry for the "professionalism and dedication he has shown", and said the decision to bring him home was a reminder of the "difficulties and challenges" the armed forces faced on active duty.
BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said it was "inevitable" Prince Harry would have to leave because of the risk the Taleban would increase attacks on British forces in Helmand due to a royal being in their midst.BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said it was "inevitable" Prince Harry would have to leave because of the risk the Taleban would increase attacks on British forces in Helmand due to a royal being in their midst.
He has pursued his desire to get on the front line and serve his country with huge determination and courage David CameronConservative leaderHe has pursued his desire to get on the front line and serve his country with huge determination and courage David CameronConservative leader
Brigadier Patrick Marriott, a spokesman for the Army, earlier said the possibility that details of Prince Harry's deployment would be made public had always been in the minds of senior army figures.Brigadier Patrick Marriott, a spokesman for the Army, earlier said the possibility that details of Prince Harry's deployment would be made public had always been in the minds of senior army figures.
"There's been an enormous amount of planning that's gone on into this, and the fact that this was going to break was always thought a possible outcome and so plans are there - and I think people can be reassured about that.""There's been an enormous amount of planning that's gone on into this, and the fact that this was going to break was always thought a possible outcome and so plans are there - and I think people can be reassured about that."
Sir Jock said the prince had been conducting himself "with professionalism" during his time out in Afghanistan.
"In serving his country with distinction in dangerous circumstances, he has shown the courage and determination that are the hallmarks of everyone in our armed forces, many of whom are operating under very challenging circumstances," Sir Jock said.
'Incredibly brave''Incredibly brave'
A member of the Household Cavalry, Prince Harry was based in a former madrassa along with a Gurkha regiment.A member of the Household Cavalry, Prince Harry was based in a former madrassa along with a Gurkha regiment.
Work involved calling up allied air cover in support of ground forces and going out on foot patrols.Work involved calling up allied air cover in support of ground forces and going out on foot patrols.
Defence Secretary Des Browne paid tribute to Harry, a second lieutenant, saying the prince was "an example of a generation of young people" who were "prepared to take on these very serious and dangerous tasks for our security". Defence Secretary Des Browne also commended Harry, a second lieutenant, saying the prince was "an example of a generation of young people" who were "prepared to take on these very serious and dangerous tasks for our security".
Conservative leader David Cameron said Prince Harry had been "incredibly brave".Conservative leader David Cameron said Prince Harry had been "incredibly brave".
"He has pursued his desire to get on the front line and serve his country with huge determination and courage. I applaud the British press for not breaking the story and risking his life and others around him.""He has pursued his desire to get on the front line and serve his country with huge determination and courage. I applaud the British press for not breaking the story and risking his life and others around him."
THE EDITORS' BLOG A news black-out is unusual, but not unique Jon Williams,World news editor, BBC News Jon's comments in fullTHE EDITORS' BLOG A news black-out is unusual, but not unique Jon Williams,World news editor, BBC News Jon's comments in full
The prince's deployment was subject to a news blackout deal struck between the MoD and newspapers and broadcasters in the UK and abroad.The prince's deployment was subject to a news blackout deal struck between the MoD and newspapers and broadcasters in the UK and abroad.
It is understood that the news was first leaked in an Australian publication in January but only after it appeared on the influential US website, The Drudge Report, did the deal break down.It is understood that the news was first leaked in an Australian publication in January but only after it appeared on the influential US website, The Drudge Report, did the deal break down.
In exchange for not reporting the prince's deployment, some media organisations were granted access to the prince in Afghanistan for interviews and filming.In exchange for not reporting the prince's deployment, some media organisations were granted access to the prince in Afghanistan for interviews and filming.
General Sir Richard Dannatt praised the UK media's "highly responsible attitude", but said he was disappointed that foreign websites had decided to run the story.General Sir Richard Dannatt praised the UK media's "highly responsible attitude", but said he was disappointed that foreign websites had decided to run the story.
The prince's withdrawal is the second major blow to his army career.The prince's withdrawal is the second major blow to his army career.
Last year, a planned tour to Iraq had to be cancelled at the last minute because of a security risk.Last year, a planned tour to Iraq had to be cancelled at the last minute because of a security risk.