A free press is an essential and important voice in any democracy, but one which should not operate with impunity. The collective self restraint of the British media in holding back the story of Prince Harry's Afghan deployment should be lauded. Censorship?Hardly; the story would have appeared in good time.Did we really need to know exactly when he left, how, where, and when he got there, when he last bathed or opened a can of Spam, at the very moment it happened?In the race for the scoop, too many stories appear which are premature, poorly researched, ill considered, and factually incorrect. These can undermine investigations, damage reputations and endanger lives , no matter the subsequent apologies and corrections. Being first is not always best. In the case of the Drudge Report, which I first became aware of after reading the story of Prince Harry's tour of duty in my Washington Post, first is worst. Drudge(good name for a Dickens character)and his like are an insensitive and irresponsible lot who should be held to account. In this age of almost instantaneous global communication, good judjment is imperative, and journalism more responsible, not less.

R. A. Copp, Centreville, Fairfax, Commonwealth of Virginia

A superfluous "noble" in an unnecessary war.

Gordon Tryon, Vancouver, Canada

It is a fallacy to believe that one can hide such matters or any major or minor story from our media or any media for that matter from anyone !If Harry's job is to fight, the world media's job is to report to the public of whatever is going on out there. So for the MOD to believe that they can do a deal for any length of time with our media, they were naive to leave out the rest of the world's media in the negotiations to remain "Hush Hush" for a while until Harry's has done his bit in this unwanted war !
The MOD uses secret drones to evesdrop on the enemy. Do they seriously believe that the world media do not have their own evesdropping weapons on anyone out there ? The Paparazzi watched Diana all her life and they will do the same to Harry or anyone of such importance ! The current "leak" on Harry was imminent and it could have happened within one week of Harry landing on the battlezone ! The fact is that Harry and the MOD are taking an unwanted risk to be there in the first place.

DKP, London, United Kingdom

Thank you Prince Harry.
Criticism of someone who has fought on a modern battlefield doesn't come easily from another who has heard those sounds and seen those sights. Gratitude does.

If our Senators' grandsons had to get within 500 yards of enemy automatic weapons, we'd fight few wars but fight those few to win.

George, Flanders , US

I cannot believe that The Times would waste 6 pages on this story when soldiers who DIE in Afghanistan are lucky to rate a paragraph.

V Burgess, Liverpool, UK

Had it been President Bush there, the American outlet would not have let the cat out of the bag. Its unfortunate that they were so irresponsible.

Pemba, New York, USA

What can I say, not too much only that HRH’s deployment had been ludicrous and should never happen for his sake and his comrades. Please, gentlemen in Her Majesty’s army next time think it twice before sending Prince Harry to another battle field, this is not a game it is a treacherous war, which the West is loosing thanks to the stupidity of invading Iraq when there was lots of work to accomplish in Afghanistan in order to defeat the Taliban and the fundamentalist who support them. Prince Harry should not be so stubborn; he does not understand how dangerous his presence was for all the British soldiers and officers, a terrible lack of common sense, which is not so common in these days, very especially in certain British milieus.

wetzvonken, Bariloche, Argentina

HG London - didn't you ever have a few too many drinks with your mates when you were young? No? Well I don't expect you ever had the courage of Harry either, you're not out there risking life and limb are you? You wouldn't put yourself at risk - cotton wool or not.
I'm very proud of all our soldiers including Harry.

TR - London, London,

It just goes to show that the paperazzi and media that feeds them are pointless ... A wake up call to newspaper editors that nobody cares ... I certainly didnt notice that for 10 weeks I haven't seen an article or a picture on Harry falling out of Boujis , or gave him a second thought. When he is back in the UK, please may that continue.

Marc, London,

If the news embargo was lifted only on Feb. 28, because of the "leak" on the Drudge Report, how come last night (Feb.28) CNN broadcast an ITV documentary with interviews of the Prince ON THE SUBJECT. My view is that there was no leak and no scoop. The story came out when Prince Harry (or the royals) wanted it to come out.

Alex, New York, USA

Please tell me that Mr Drudge is going to be fined/smacked or generally disbarred!!!? If he had released this sort of information about for example a visit to the troops by Mr Bush that would be treason - surely but to release information that has put not only Harry's but all those with him at risk is beyond belief!

Anna, London, UK

Whatever may be said of Prince Harry's posting in Afghanistan, it remains to be seen who will be held responsible for initiating the leak as to his deployment. Someone has to be accountable for this unprofessional, irresponsible and life threatening behaviour.

Rodney, Lincolnshire, England

Pity to pull him out only 20 days short of 'gong' time, unless they have changed the rules.
Royals might get one anyway for even going. The rest of the mob still have to do the 90 days without a break.

m wilson, bidache, france

Let DrudgeReport know what you think of it's actions. Email them at drudge@drudgereport.com

Michael P, Chicago, USA

I am embarassed that it was an American who broke the news of Prince Harry in Afghanistan.

Mike Pilgreen, Hilton Head Island, USA/ SC

Tim from Manchester,
I suspect the reason that Harry is being pulled out is to reduce the risk of other soldiers being killed or injured due to Harry's presence attracting more enemy activity than would otherwise have been the case.

Pete, London,

Let him stay and fight. He obviously enjoys it and it is good for the royals to muck in. There is a long and proud tradition of royal military service and no one can then accuse the royals of using other people's sons.

Richard, Norwich,

Well done Harry! A future King to be proud in the tradition of service typical of his family and their 'serve to lead' beliefs. His presence in a war zone is imperative if he is ever to be able look his men in the eyes again and do his job as a soldier. I believe that in 1940 the then King was pleased Buck House was bombed by the Luftwaffe because it meant he once again 'could look his fellow Londoners in the eye'

Trevor brooks, Gillingham Kent,

Reading through the negative comments from many British posters, it's obvious to what degree the liberal left traitorous ideology has infiltrated the UK. Well done Harry and the rest of those fighting in Afghanistan. What a pity so many of our countrymen are unworthy of the sacrifices made by our troops.

Lin, London, UK

He's a soldier, like any other in the armed forces he is there of his will not forced and he should stay on and finish the job.

Do any one else get special treatment just because your gran is the Queen ??

Steve, London,

No French spoken here? What a nasty comment! Must come from the knowledge that the 'French' were right about Iraq ... they were smart enough not to buy into the WMDs hype.

I am so sick of hearing from Americans who think they won WW2 on their own, and that Europe owes them blind alliegance and eternal gratitude.

Fact is, the USA didn't come to Europe's 'aid' until there was money in it for the USA. And Britain paid back the USA up to a few years ago.

As for Prince Harry ... well done indeed, however, wasn't it an AMERICAN who broke his cover?

Suzanne, Chapala, Mexico

I find it very disgusting that Mr. Drudge decided to endanger the lives of the men serving with Prince Harry by exposing this. What purpose did it serve anyway? I'm not an expert on the British legal system, but if any soldier is harmed or killed because of this, I hope that every effort is made to hold Mr. Drudge accountable.

Madeiline, St. Augustine, Florida/USA

Can I have his job?

Surrounded by an elite bodyguard, no doubt costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds and causing problems for the rest of the operations, it must be fun playing at being a patriotic hero firing off guns and such.

Wake up people, to the reality of this situation and what it does and does not signify.

Joe, Manchester,

Well done Harry,you are a credit to our country ,my guess
is all the pathetic weasley armchair generals who take potshots at you have never served in the armed forces and have no understanding what it is to serve for Queen and Country.

stuart. G, Norwich, England

What a very nice young man.
The British people should be very proud of this lad, he seems to represent the good qualities of the English citizens. Sometimes my folks forget what steadfast and honorable friends and allies your folks have been to America. Your people have not forgotten the way some Europeans have.(no French spoken here)
Be proud of this kid, he represents the UK well

sammr2007, Las Vegas, Nv. USA

Cary on Harry. The Bahamas is behind you!

Malcolm McKay, Nassau, The Bahamas

It's very difficult for me to accept all the criticism of a man who has voluntarily put himself in harm's way.

Shame on those involved.

From an old American Marine , " Well done , Harry".

J Barry, Canton, Massachusetts , USA

I find it amusing to see that the greatest support Harry has is from the citizens of other countries.

He is a soldier, he MAY be in real danger (the press shots show him firing a machine gun!) but you can bet your bottom dollar that if HRH Harry was in real danger he would suddenly be drafted out.

Alternatively, you can look at it this way, he's a soldier - he salutes ranks above him; he should be treated like every other soldier risking their life in the 'Stan.

Why should he be any more special? - A squaddie from any city in this country wouldn't receive the coverage that Harry has.

Please stop being Nonces - treat him like he ought to be treated - with respect for risking his life but with the concern that is deserving of ALL of our soldiers over there.

USA - you're welcome to the royals, beats the hell out of having Posh and Becks!!!

Barney, Liverpool, UK

1. The British public is kept in the dark for Harry's and others' "safety". What is important is that the Taliban doesn't know. What idiots in Government and the MOD believe that the Taliban has to rely on buying the Daily Mail to know what's going on? The Taliban has known for ages that Harry is in Afghanistan, but would not highlight it as they were hoping to get him before he would be withdrawn.
2. I was pleased to see in the pictures that Harry has moved on from sporting a swastika on his uniform and now wears a cap with the Stars and Stripes on the front! I thought he was an officer in the British Army, or are our Forces now officially a subsection of the US Army?

Alan, Cobham,

Good on him for going, but I bet HRH is one soldier who does not lack essential equipment.

C Rance , Reading ,

I think its about time the media should take a long hard look at itself - yes they have a duty to report matters of interest to the public, but when doing so puts people lives at risk just to make headlines they should cop on. If more soilders die because of increased attackes attributed to the realease of this story they should be held directly accountable.

Zabihullah Mujahid saying that. "The Royal Family is now directly participating in the aggression against Muslims' ...is just trying to stir things up, this isnt an attack on musilms or islam if anything its an attempt to stop hardliners wishing to impose their will on others, I guarentee though that there are many brain washed (particularly in Britain) muslims who wont see it as that and will see it as an afront to islam. God/allah help us

Rich Mathews, Edinburgh, Lothian

Respect for the guy well done. Shame the press could not contain the story. Its right that he now returns but a shame that he must.

Paul Davis, York, uk

Royal poses for PR stunt, then legs it back to blighty.

And it was imagined that the Taliban wouldn't then make hay ?

Chris, chesterfield, uk

This is not a noble war. Sad that this is where the Family chooses spill human blood.

Moi, Morganville, New Jersey

Why pull Harry out?

Use him as a magnet.

Let Harry be the lance that opens the wound and draws out the festering Taleban menace.

And then deal with them.

I'm sure Harry doesn't want to go back to Windsor.

Derek, Seattle, USA

In the past I've admired the Royal Family for its efforts this way, just as the King remained in London during the Blitz.

So very different to the American example where the elites manage to avoid every dirty colonial war.

"I ain't no Senator's son," in the words of the Vietnam Era song.

But this particular example is almost embarrassing.

Harry was for months mooning about, threatening to resign his commission if he weren't sent.

Hardly an example of duty when you have been ordered, and I thought at the time indicative of the unbalanced qualities of his mother.

The military authorities at one point said yes and then kept saying no (and I believe in this case for good reason).

But we had pictures of Harry every week in camoulflage as though he were in combat. Absurd propaganda.

Now we find he's been in Afghanistan since Christmas.

How do we find out? A new bunch of pictures in camouflage again, with added ones of the Prince hugging a heavy machine gun with a boyish grin.

Now he's to be whisked back to the nightlife of London.

All a bit of farce, don't you think?

John Chuckman, toronto, Canada

Have to add another comment - just looking at all the comments the majority of those who cristise Harry and the Royal family are British

WHAT A DISGRACE

Whether you agree or not with the war hes is out their with the rest if them. Yes what was on the news was a photo opp - you think the camera men are going to be standing there in a middle of a fire fight? that was for the people back home when the cameras were away he would be following orders like the rest of them, and to say he is there wrapped in cotton wool or the like is plane IGNORANCE and insult every person there. War is war it affects you no matter where you are in the combat zone.

The people who are critising Harry et al are the ones wrapped in cotton wool. sitting comfortable reading the paper playing arm chair general.

I couldnt imagine any of you having the guts to go over the parapets first and I dont see any of you going over to Afganistan since its apparently a picnic

Rich Mathews, Edinburgh, Lothian

HRH Prince Harry needs to be allowed to fight his tour to the finish. It is absurd to worry that the war might be too dangerous, because danger is the nature of war. Besides his Grand Mum's army has a little outfit I have heard of called the SAS. If Harry is a specific target give him a hard bunch of bastards to watch out for him and take on all comers. When he fights a couple of tours of duty, he will be more qualified to take the throne of England than anyone else and should be made Crown Prince. He might be able to save the country from the nihilism that is consuming it. The other thing that will save the UK was the Queen's decision to eliminate Diana and the Muslim heir she would have given birth to. That would have caused a civil war by the enemy immigrants and brought assassination attempts against Charles, William and Harry.

Dan Saarinen, Victorville, California, USA

It will be interesting to see if the Australian consumer uses her buying power to hammer circulation of the publication responsiblefor the leak.

Dave, Chorley, UK

Yes well done Harry. A few weeks military career with SAS and bodyguard protection, and a private escort back as soon as it you might be a *real* target like all the other servicemen and women are day in, day out. What a hard life you lead.

No shower for four days? Ah diddums. Never mind, when you stagger out of the nightclubs on your return, drunk from champers, you can get a nice watering down in the gutter you fall in as you swear and attack photographers.

And what now Harry? I supposed you're going to get a medal or something to rival your uncle's "I was a decoy for an Exocet missile" claim in the Falklands.

And what happens now if there's an attack on the UK to "punish" us for this Royal playing at soldiers? Will his PR campaign have been worth it?

Tom Franklin, London, UK

Am I the only cynic to wonder whether this wasn't a put-up PR job from the very beginning?
Send the lad (yes, he's brave) to Afghanistan in secret.
Leave him there for a few weeks. Then arrange for a convenient "leak" to the media.
Then fetch young Harry back, unscathed, but with a hero's welcome.
Boozy image restored - QED.

alan, germany,

Mr. Mujahid obviously does not realise that the British Prince does not have a shred of influence with the British government - BUT Mujahid's comment: that 'Instead of fighting and killing the innocent people, the Prince should try to influence his Government to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan' - is not without merit. With every kind of educational opportunity available to him, Prince Harry could have aspired to a role in life which demands more use of his brain than his brawn. Instead, he prefers active combat,, stating that he just wants to be 'normal' for a little while. But what is normal about desiring to put himself into danger and to kill people? Obviously Harry does not want to be considered a coward - and I do not think that he is - but his enjoyment of war is so blatently obvious, it seems that for all his expensive education and training and choices he could have made, he has become nothing more than a 'right royal adrenalin junky!

Jean, Hague, NL

I agree with Tim from London. As for pulling him out, it is a tactical decision. The Prince is being pulled out because some idiot, who hides in the shadows, could not leave well alone.
I could say more!!

Forester, Malaga,

JOHN SNOW.

If john snow was so bothered about the news blackout why did'nt he expose it earlier ?
Or is he just upset because he was'nt important enough to be told about it ?

Paul, milton keynes, bucks

In regrads to the comment made by Tim from Manchester, I do not believe that the parents of the other soldiers fighting would have been too thrilled to see that it would be allowed to keep him their and put their children at that much more of a risk. The troops are in enough danger why increase it?

Allison, Tennessee, United States of America

Puke.
I was sick when i heard this so called "leaked" piece of news.

How gulible are people to accept this as a "leak".

It is a cheap and very cliche way of:

a) Getting maximum publicity for a Royal
b) Getting him out of theatre after he has played soldier for a while

Disgusting colonial puke.
c)

John Smithers, London, UK

Well done Harry and thanks to all of the other brave troops from the UK who fight for all of us.

Kevin T. Katske, Trumbull, Connecticut

He is a young man who wants to do his job. I am told by others in his regiment that he is a dedicated soldier - I am very impressed by all those who serve in armed our armed forces. For once the British media acted responsibly which is also refreshing.

Tim Murray, London,

Well if they are pulling Harry out then why not all the other troops as they have mothers and farthers too who are deeply concerned about their children to. Get them all out he (Harry) chose to go into the army to fulfil his ego, tuff. Harry out all out. It's an abspoulte joke it really is try explaining that to parents and partners who have lost their loved ones or have loved ones there at present. Joke, joke joke, this is deplorable. Yes I apreciate leaving him there makes him a prime target, let him grow a beard to disguise himself or cover his face to obscure his identtity if it's such a risk. Leave hime there.

tim, manchester,

Another young man gets his "Kicks" ...my God is this what we expect from royalty in 2007...we can be sure he wont be on the dole like "the boys" after his discharge...

John Murphy, Copenhagen,

The man has my respect. I also respect his brother's behavior, as he is obviously very frustrated that he cannot be deployed. Their mother obviously did a great job raising two sons in an almost impossible situation, and the results are being seen today, as they do their duty to God, Country, and Queen. Great Britain, Prince Charles, and Her Majesty have every reason to be proud of their two Princes.
I expect they will continue to demonstrate true leadership, in the times to come. America has a great ally in Great Britain and all the other countries whose soldiers are laying their lives in the line of fire for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq.
God bless you, your mates, and all those other soldiers, Prince Harry!

M. Reed Brooks, Pea Ridge, AR

Will some 'journalist' please find out who leaked the story to the Australian lifestyle mag in the first place. Thanks :)

philip, cambridge,

Harry is unquestionably a brave and courageous young man...a real Prince of a fellow...to coin a phrase! A real credit to Britain and to the Royal family!

However, I can't help feeling that it was a bit daft to send him into combat in the first place. Consider the effect on national - and international morale - if he had been killed in combat!!??

It's all well and good to say that "Oh, he's just like any other officer and will be treated as such!" However, who really believes that? Is it really true?

There was/is a delightful movie called "The Student Prince" with Ann Blyth and Edmund Purdom...singing voice of Mario Lanza...that forcefully makes the point that a Prince cannot, at the snap of a finger, be "just one of the boys", and be treated as such, when the reality is that he is still a Prince... with all that that
implies for himself and for those around him.

Thank God that he is going home safe.

God Save The Queen!

Garth Strong, Glendale Heights, USA

if anyone seriously believes harry was actually in any kind of danger over there then they are seriously deluded. he will have been kept in known secure areas away from any real fighting, and have a few "perfect" photo ops to send to the greedy media back home. the whole area around him was probably full of special ops forces, and it has already been admitted that he was flown in with them! from the reports on tv i have seen all he seems to have been doing is fire a machine gun in some vague direction, and kicking about a rugby ball!

Carl, Bristol, UK

You lot talk rubbish

I also admire him for what he is doing, but think of all the added exposure he and his team will get now that the Taliban know where he is. The downside to this is that the Taliban would now go to previously unheard of risks to claim the scalp of Harry and would love to broadcast this around the world.

Anybody who thinks that he and his teamates will not be under intense scrutiny from now on would be very niave.

He is placing unnecessary exposure on his fellow comrades whether he likes it or not. The Taliban would do anything in their power to attack them, they would not have done this had they not known Harry was there.

Imagine Harry getting kidnapped, or somrthing like that ( god forbid) but radicals would do anything out of the ordinary to get someone of Harry's stature, they know that if he could be caught they would be able to negotiate many many things for his successful release. I think it is good that he leaves, for his safety and his comrade

TC, PE,

I think it is appalling that the foreign media have put the lives of Prince Harry and all the troops fighting with him in danger by publishing details of his deployment. Well done to the British media for maintaining the blackout and realising that some things are more important than making headlines.

My thoughts are with all those service men and women who are still out there and fighting for people like me. I applaud you.

Natalie, London,

Michael Stanley - would you swap places with him? I mean, given that Afghanistan is so obviously a picnic, and his leechy privilege comes with no responsibilities or expectations at all.
Thought not.

Mike, Guildford,

dear sir
lifes soldier is closed to the lost of own life and suffer for his lovers and colleagues prince harry perhaps is not alexander but is a young man a soldier and an officer like winston former 2nd lt cavalry officer
all of this damage his image
nobody remembered the actual generals or the secretary of defence but monarchy rests and soldiers are proud of it in the army in any place in any circumstancies i admire british army the but i think like this damage the image of a boy the role of an officer and suddenly appear the doubts of an army of slaves that participates in nonsense parade
yours faithfully
cipri

cipriano lamas-meilan, corunna 15005, spain

Nick Black - are you for real?

We'd have a pretty rubbish Army if it had to be evacuated every time the press found out where it is!

And I think you'll find, if you have a look at some other countries, that you don't need a monarchy to have armed forces - honest!

Dave Gordon, Edinburgh, UK

The UK media are letting New Idea off lightly. The magazine's excuse they were not issued with an embargo is pathetic. Any intelligent human being working in the media in Australia would know that Harry's deployment was not public and that publicising this would endanger him and British troops. But I guess the English don't know much about New Idea, commonly referred to in Australia as No Idea. Shame on you New Idea.

James, London,

And what did everyone think of Harry three months ago? Boozer with violent outbursts parading parties dressed as a Nazi? This has worked very well for him, as they would have anticipated.

Would he have been allowed out there if he wasn't such a squeaky wheel beforehand, creating an image that needed to change? Well, I wouldn't want to be a cycnic, I for one will say he has risen in my estimation.

Hector Stable, London, UK

I would not be surprised if, after the dust dies down, HRH quietly gets back into the fight again! He has become a new Action Hero and deservedly so. Then again, EVERY British Soldier is a volunteer and a hero. Huzzah Prince Harry!

Serjeant Grumpy Pants, Annandale , VA USA

To the people that are raising the debate that this should not have been reported as widely as it has becuase it somehow puts less of a value on the life of everyone else serving in the middle east.
I completely agree with you, one life is no more important as the next however to the Taliban it is. The news of John Smith coming to fight on the front line wouldn't get the same interest from the Taliban as someone like Prince Harry.

Steve Williamson, Manchester, UK

Why on earth is Harry to be brought back to the UK, he is a soldier is he not? It is his job to be there, and he has stated that he wants to do his job in its entirety, regardless of the fact he is a Royal.

With the situation such as it is, he is no more in the firing line than any of the other soldiers around him, I have all the more respect for him because he does not want to have special treatment just because of who he is, and because he wants to complete his job in all aspects.

If anything, it is the press who are the ones causing the possible threat to him by breaking the story in such a high profile fashion, no doubt to be broadcast around the world. If they had kept their mouths shut as it were, Harry would have completed his operation as any other Soldier would.

Noel Eaton, Kent

Noel Eaton, Ramsgate, Kent

Well done Harry.

What about the politician's sons and daughters who started the war, especially Tony Blair and George Bush.

adam, Bristol, uk

Prince Harry is a more worthy successor than his father.

Patrick Henry, Bristol,

It is a shame that so many supposed "liberals" and rebublicans forget that without the armed forces they would not be able to express their (in my view) treachorous opinions on war and the royal family.

As head of the armed forces, the queen requires a representivie from her family to serve. Good on him, if only more young people had the drive and determination to serve their country and we may not be in the state of affairs we are currently in. Bring back national service to instil some dicipline and respect in our youth.

Harry is a great advert for the forces and should be praised for putting his life on the line, we are trying to build a democracy in Afghanistan, we need more like him to encourage the young to join up and learn a thing or two about the world.

Long may they rein over us......

Nick Black, Thame, Oxfordshire, UK

Well done to Prince Harry for sharing some of the dangers faced by our servicemen and women every day.

The real question is when will Tony Blair and all the politicians who commit our young people to fight foreign wars to further their own political agendas start sending their children or go themselves to risk their lives!

I do not expect to hear of Euan, Nicky, Kathryn or Leo Blair serving on the frontline when they grow up. Or even about Tony now that he has stepped down from office volunteering to serve as a stretcher bearer or water carrier in wars that he started!

Ernest Hancock, London, UK

No wonder our soldiers keep running out of ammunition if all they do all day is sit there firing at nothing.

What happened to "wait until you see the whites of their eyes"?

Dave, Edinburgh, UK

And what if the leak was intentional?

Roy, beirut,

It goes with the territory: Prince Harry is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't in some people's eyes. The circumstances of his birth were out of his control, just like the rest of us. Should he cast off his family ties, move into social housing and get a job on a building site? Would this square it with the armchair revolutionaries? No, they'd say he was just a fake, playing at being "one of us". They should grow up and face the fact of their inverted snobbery, or envy, as it is better described. He could have been clubbing & having a great time, just like other very rich and privileged young men (and confirm what wastrels his lot are) but he wanted to serve as a soldier rather than merely play act (thereby, no doubt, showing what a fake he is, not really in the firing line). He knows he can't win with the 'anti' brigade and doesn't give a stuff. I'm not a monarchist but good for him!

anne, bournemouth,

The biggest danger he faces is when he gets home to the UK, theres almost as many muslim extremeists there as there arein Afghanestan and they will see him as a target now

Jim, melbourne, Australia

This is a PR stunt. All pictures of Harry firing machine guns etc. there is no sense of urgency. Had that been done under attack, there would be fear.

Its a blatant photo op. Look at the positive press coverage from the likes of The Sun, who never lose an opportunity to highlight his wild side.

John Taylor, Toronto, Canada

Laurel700, Toulouse, France

The Queen and the Royal family give the governent over £200 million, which is made up from profit from the Crown Estate. In return, they recieved about £37 million...

Hardly a 'welfare Queen' who scrounges of the people - we actually make a profit off them.

Check the facts first eh?

Paul Singh, London, UK

I am disappointed the Times is happy to give in to the Palace PR machine.

Do we believe it was leaked? Yes but a controlled 'leak' so they can justify him being hauled back. The Times et al will dutifully provide the hero stories that the Palace want.

Michael Stanley, Bolton, Lancs

....You think that the royal family leak to the Drudge report? That would be an interesting turn of events.

Chris, Leeds,

Can my son have a camera crew to follow him around and set up rufty tufty photo shots while he is serving incognito in Iraq?

That said, I do admire the Royals for doing their bit. Where was Mark Thatcher when Prince Andrew was in the Falklands and where are the Bush and Blair familly today?

Politicians always send other peoples children to risk death when their policies fail; even when they have a moral compass or messages from God.

Tom, Hudersfield, england

It seems this article has brought a few republicans out of the woodwork. Not a good advert for their cause if their scurrilous allegations are anything to go by.

Philip Lewis, Old Colwyn,Colwyn Bay, , North Wales, UK

what a propaganda story,..the UK public made to look a fool again
No you cannot go,..I want to go Mummy please make them let me,..oh ok then,..
Oh look what they have now gone and done ,..the security people have snitched on me to get me out

Errrr PARDON ME?
But isn't the whole point and idea of the British army being their IS TO FLUSH OUT THE TALIBAN and finish them off?

If Harry is the decoy,..then wonderful.
Does this mean yet another 5 years wasted Taxpayers money for a holiday camp jaunt

Conned Public, london,

I think it is amazing that despite only having the most basic of information about this story, readers can fill in the blanks with their own version of events and turn it into a critisism of the Royal Family (worthy of jacknory I think).
Comments like those made from Michael in Bolton make absolutely no sence and I am assuming that it has been put up for comedy value and nothing else.
All that we know is that Harry has been trained as a soldier and has carried out a tour in Afghanistan, and regardless if it was deliberately leaked or not we should be proud that he has stepped up to the job and not hid behind the many people that have tried to keep him behind a desk.
Regardless of my viewes on our involvement in the middle east I would like to say, nice one Harry!

Steve Williamson, Manchester, UK

Jon Snow on the Today programme this morning was as his usual self serving self.Standing full square for open responsible journalisim, with regard to the reporting of Prince Harry. He was lambasting all and sundry on this mild and vastly overreported story, The Times managed 7 pages.
I recall very clearly the evening he dropped a major news story.Outside the Channel 4 news studio was the Pornographer Laureate to Blair, Alistar Campbell was having a five star tantrum and demanding to be heard live on Snow,s news. Jon Snow capitulated immediately and allowed one of the most disgraceful acts of journalisim to take place. Always quick to condem others,he is not a fit person who should be determining the ethics of what is and what is not good journalisim. Shame on you Jon Snow

John Eadie MacGregor, Doncaster, South yorks

Harry, Get back to where your mum belonged ! She would never have approved of you fighting anyone in anyone's street, let alone the deserts of Afghanistan ! We want all our men back to where they belong - and that is home in Britain. They can go anywhere in the developed world to assist as peace keepers, engineeers, developers for mankind. But to go and fight in a faraway land for a cause their own generation will never see is totally unacceptable. And remember, many of our men never returned to their homeland after a painful journey to nowhere and left their loved ones with an empty and broken heart.s
And James from Weybridge, Surrey talking about reestablishing the British Empire - dream on and stop watching those old movies - wake up !

DKP, London, United Kingdom

Is this how the US media support the US's allies?

Chris, Ashford, Middlesex, uk

This is a great news to see prince Harry in action ( he might have said at Christmas "that's what I always wanted" for a xmas present). Seeing him fighting in a front line with 1st Battalion clearly shows how to separate men from the boys.

Now British media can show a better puplicity in the news media with a Prince shoulder to shoulder with British Army soldires ready to fight in action, rather than every now and then showing a disgraced pictures of British youth binge drinking who put every sensible youth at shame.

Wish him every luck and say go for it LAD (as they say in the Army).

PS. is it not a surprise in a British Army to see Prince Harry with minimal field warfare protection ? ( compared with that of the American soldires/officers covered with full body armour in the battlefield )

Joseph, Reading, Berks. UK

I am disappointed the Times is happy to give in to the Palace PR machine.

Do we believe it was leaked? Yes but a controlled 'leak' so they can justify him being hauled back. The Times et al will dutifully provide the hero stories that the Palace want.

Harry can then go back to his privileged leech type existence, believing he justified it by saved mummys troops from the nasty beardy men.

Michael Stanley, Bolton, Lancs

It is perhaps quite naive to think that the Taliban did not know of Harry's presence. An information leak is not too surprising considering MoD full of civilians, lost, confidential data, computers, CDs, etc - 10 weeks of secrecy is a pretty good innings.

Those media elements responsible deserve to be sent to Guantanamo for treason not because of Harry alone but they have enhanced the danger for all British soldiers.

Think about Mr Bush and Mr Rudd and act accordingly.

David, Holzhausen an der Haide, Germany

Bloody good job sir!

They have finally let you do the job you have trained to do and stuck to what you believe is right to do. The bit of extra credit he deserves is due to the fact that no other soldier would be prevented from going to do their job just because of who they are, so he's had to fight a running battle with our government before he could even set his sights on the Taleban.

He makes me proud to be British and ever more proud to be a member of the Armed Forces of this country. UItimate respect to our Monarchy and even more disgust at our government for none of them having the guts that our Royals have in upholding the traditions of our nation.

Good job to all our boys out there, inclusive of HRH. Move fast and keep low.

ChrisM, Bristol, United Kingdom

What a shining example Prince Harry is to the rest of his generation. Determined to do his part for his country in one the most hostile parts of the world.

Also great to see the encouraging comments from so many of our American friends.

Help for Heroes supporter
www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Please don't forget those that serve this nation.

Robert, London, England

The only reason that the Royal family are where there are today is because their ancestors were good at fighting and won wars to get them there. Old William the Conqueror did not become King due to his ability to open hospitals and host garden parties but because he was handy with a sword. The Royal family have ancestors going back a 1,000 years who fought and beat all comers to be Kings and Royalty. If all the Royals now joined the armed forces, their combined genetics would mean the Afghan war would be over in a fortnight and we would probably be well on the way to re-establishing the British Empire by this time next year.

Well done Harry.

James , Weybridge, Surrey

It is outrageous that the press should reveal where any individual serviceman or woman is currently serving regardless of who they are.

Jane, Tonbridge,

Good, he just showed that he is better than many people in UK, he is a soldier. Good exemple to those people who live with COUNCIL BENEFIT and drinking, paid by IMMIGRANTS like me.

claudio, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Godspeed Harry, to you and your comrades at arms.

Drudge is the perfect example of why I am happy, no overjoyed, to no longer live in a country driven not by scruples, but by pure and unadulterated greed.

James Smythe, London,

Well done Harry, you are trying to work for a living, it's amazing, it's so rear it has made the News Headlines in every paper world wide. It's so extrodinary, It's a shame the rest of the Royals don't do the same go and get a Job. The Government is trying to get the rest of the population off Benefits. I am crippled by aches and pain and I have to stand up all day and I am no where as young. It's a good example to other young people to work, because Most of Us were not born with Gold Spoons in our mouths. I hope this nonsence is taken of the News so the rest of us can get to find out what is going on in the real world. Thank you, because I am sick of it.

daphne kenward, Cambridge, UK

Is there still a law against passing information to the enemy and endangering the lives of frontline soldiers?
It seems to me that this odious little Drudge has attempted to aid the Taliban and has put a serving officer and his colleagues in even greater danger than they were in before. Careless talk still costs lives, even if they're only British ones.
Strangely enough there doesn't seem to be any way of saying this on his website, so much for free speech.

SMR, Liverpool,

Outed by the yanks - what a surprise.

From what we read, it seems Harry has always wanted to be part of his team, leading from the front and taking on the same risks as the others - finally he got his wish - well done for Harry.

And now - seems like everything he has ever wanted is being snatched away from him because someone can't keep their mouths shut - yes, it would have leaked eventually but to be outed in such a blatant way is sickening.

Well, I feel very proud to see him over there and hope he will be allowed to live his 'normal' life and do his bit for the people of Afghanistan which is clearly something close to his heart.

Joy, Crowthorne, Berks

It's time the rest of the troops were moved from harms way, they are more valuable than any of the Royal family.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

Bizarre that the kid is doing the very things that, had his mother lived, he would never do. I seriously doubt that Diana would have seen any of the nonsense going on now - imperialistic invasions of other countries for territory and resources - as a "noble pursuit." It isn't. Never has been.

As to the "royals" themselves, people who live off of the taxes of the public and do nothing for that support are generally called welfare recipients; on the dole, whatever. You could say that Elizabeth is a "welfare queen." Gives the term a whole new meaning.

Laurel700, Toulouse, France

It is much better for the media to have leaked the information than for the enemy to discover it on their own. The Drudge Report merely allowed the British army to know how close the Taleban are to knowing whom they are fighting.

William, Seattle, WA

Whoever leaked this must know that he put a soldier who is doing his country's job in extreme danger(including other comrades with him). It is impossible not to know the possible consequences of such an eaction except if you have an IQ less than 20.
Even if that soldier is a Prince he still deserves at least a minimum of decent behaviour towards him.

Moshe Haviv, Tel Aviv ISRAEL,

It is regrettable that this story broke. The Prince is also a young man with a life to live, and a decent enough sort that he sees part of that life an obligation to serve and defend his country.

It is to be hoped that he can again fall off the radar, this time yet more effectively, and perhaps this time in his first specialty, tank command. He is a credit to his nation and his family.

RC, Seattle, WA/USA

Good show Prince Harry! My only wish is that I could have been by your side foghting with you. Alas, I am not British or a Commonwealth part and I cannot support The United States wreckless burning of the United States Constitution.

And agin, Good show Prince Harry, my hope is that all leaders will follow your example and actually gett off their rump and show what "Patriotism" is!

Theodore Sprott, League City, USA, Texas

Supposing Harry got Captured???, and the evil captureres demanded The UK (Gordon Brown) to release all the prisoners from iraq etc... or else Harry life would be a risk... Then i am 100% sure that The UK Would do just that... however, if and when the captureres capture a normal soldier no one gives a toss!.

Vishan , Bedford,

All in all.. Fair play to Harry, a true prince who serves his country. Well done.!!!

Vishan , Bedford,

In the finest tradition of the House of Windsor and of the British Army.
Well done young man you will make friends for a lifetime in those conditions and only those who have experienced this will understand.
God bless you and keep you safe.

mike sanders, hong kong, china

For once, the whole of the british media, are to be commended, for their part in keeping silent about his involvement!.

Perhaps, even those who oppose us, may respect his desire to serve!

Michael, Birmingham, England

Tim, Scotland, UK of A

third in line to the throne?
What about my son?
GOD forbid that a royal has to suffer while the commen man DIES

mike pierceall, El cajon, CA

He's no less important than every other soldier we have out there.

He's also no more important either. Dont make him out to be any more of a hero than every other soldier who's also there.

And Gordon Brown, dont tell the public what the public will think!

Arthur, Newcastle,

What a pathetic stunt! Does anyone really believe he was allowed to get in harms way? We now have to endure pages of monarchist and militarist propaganda to bolster this useless war and to convince us that these second-rate Young Princes' are anyhing more than vacuous Hooray Henrys.

Colin, London, UK

Rule Britannia!

Andy Kinghan, London,

'Leaked'? - Humbug!

Barbara, Bonn, Germany

Pete, St Albans, England
How quick you blame US.
I'm pretty sure this is LONDEN TIMES.
Your right Yanks are for EVERYTHING

mike pierceall, El cajon, CA

How about bringing back all our troops?

"He has been fully involved in operations and has run the same risks as everyone else in his battle group."

Farrukh, Woking, UK

I am no royalist by any means (the opposite in fact), but well done Harry for doing your bit.

Its very easy to sit on the sidelines at home and criticise people - its another thing to go out there and do the business; he is, like those other men and women who risk their lives for us, a real hero!

Now lets hope his grandmother gives that backsliding schoolboy accountant Brown a boot up the backside at their next pre-budget meeting and demands that the government pay, fund, equip and support our armed services and their families properly!!!

Arthur, London,

I don't agree with war. But I can't think of many countries' whose heads of states would allow their children to serve at the front.
Prince Andrew also served on the frontline during the Falklands war as a helicopter pilot.
I do feel proud to be British.

DCH, Nottingham, UK

Prince Harry is right to fear assassination upon his return by outraged British Muslims incensed by his self description of his duties and language describing the enemy. His service may also endanger the Royal Family and the government. The best strategy to defeat Islamic radicalism is to get out of their face in Iraq and Afghanistan and strengthen border controls and internal security. The West has grown so soft intellectually and morally it doesn't really perceive the depth of dedication and tenacity of religiously inspired revolutionary action. East is east and west is west and neither the twain shall.

MARK KLEIN, M.D., OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

This young man has been belittled and made sport of by the press. Granted he was born into incredible wealth and privilege, but he has also lost his mother at a young age and none of us have walked in his shoes.

I'm not pro-war, but I feel a tremendous respect for Prince Harry, for his courageous stand on being willing to put himself on the line with his fellow British soldiers. I hope that will be recognized, especially by the media, and he will be treated with respect and an understanding that by so doing, he has exemplified true nobility.

Let this young man have some peace, please.

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI, US

I have no idea why people are saying "fight for your country". We are not being invaded by taliban militia, nor do we have a vicious dictator whipping us with a cat o nine tails (barring George Bush) it's a mission to spread democracy (HA YEAH RIGHT) to the middle east. They clearly reject it and begrudge having there people killed for oil (thanks Mr Bush). So will everyone shut up about "fighting for our country". Whilst our troops are out there in Iraq, Great Britain is slowly being invaded by immigrant Muslims that want Sharia law here. I'm thinking that our troops should come home AND TRULY FIGHT FOR THEIR COUNTRY!!!! Enough said.

Dinky, london,

Great Job HRH Harry! You set a fine example for others to support their country by serving in the Armed Forces. It is a shame that only a few of the sons and daughters of America's ruling elite, especially the Republicans, choose to serve. VP Dick Cheney didn't so why should the Bush twins? Good luck Cornet Wales, keep your soldiers and yourself safe and return to your families in good health.

Doug Gregg, Lewiston, Idaho USA

Well typical of the yanks putting our boys in danger, if they are not shooting them themselves, they have to leak this sort of information.
They call themselves a superpower, thats a laff, to use a quote out of one of their hollywood films (lets face it, they think they are in the movies all the time, lock n load etc...), "With great power comes great responsibility".
Something our colonial cousins seem to struggle with, Responsibility!

Pete, St Albans, England

I think its postively shameless that the media leaked the news and is continuing to leak every minute detail of Prince Harry's movement. Its dangerous to him and the other soldiers with him. Why do the media be so hungry for news so much so that they are willing to put his life in danger? And those of you who are belittling his service, "Shame on you as well!" Didnt you read the whole article? He is not on just an adventure, he is risking his own life in doing all this. If you are not doing the same at least you can appreciate it in somebody else doing it

beth, california, USA

I am so sorry the news leaked. Not only does endanger the life of Prince Henry. It endangers the lives of other soldiers in Afghanistan. I think he is to be congratulated for going. I am strongly in favour of a free press, but I think in this case a blackout was the right thing to do. Not something I ever thought I would write. Clearly he wanted this very much and I think that is very admirable. In his position he could so easily avoided this.

S. J. Pearce, London, UK

If you're gonna be a bleedin' monarchy (constitutional or otherwise), then BE A BLEEDIN' MONARCHY and recognize that ALL members of the royal family, themselves, are more or less legitimate military/propaganda targets and appropriately protect them. All pretensions to some sort or egalitarianism notwithstanding, no one within long hailing range of the succession should EVER thus have been allowed into harm's way.

Laurence Tenney, San Francisco,

Have read the posts about how great it is to have uncensored news coverage thanks to the Drudge report. If he was deleberatly putting US lives at risk for an easy headline I bet our American "Friends" would be howling in protest.
Hypocrites

James, Glasgow,

Prince Harry is a brave young man. It makes me proud to be British!
He is, after all his escapades in the UK, a young man of calibre and strength.
I can only imagine his anger and frustration now, at having been "exposed". He wants to fight for his grandmother, his country and his mates.
Shame on the person responsible for this outrage, but congratulations to the British press for their silence.

Kathleen, Zurich,

Good for him! I find it sadening that those armchair warriors are so quick to stick the boot in and assume hes somehow not a real soldier. Sour grapes maybe? Just sad that some scum in the UK might try to get him for this when he returns. People like that should just be deported. Now. Or perhaps we can adopt sharia law to deal with them?

Lukey Boy, London, UK

Prince Henry? What about my son? Senaters’ sons? What about my son? Why would they end it? Billions of dollars coming in and only thousands of people lost? Money talks! As it always has! Both sides get rich and young men and women are expendable as they always have been for the length of time! If you think this is any thing else than that ask your self why Muslim against Muslim or Christian against Christian or Jew against everybody? Why Muslim want to kill Christen and Jews and vice versa any way you can think in the name of their God and that makes it OK? Blastfomy and an insult to their God! One final question from a Christian man to the World. Do you really think your God is so stupid that He could not be all things to every religion? From the start of time if you do not call My god by the name that I give him you will suffer his rath and serve ME! I say to the world let go of your ego, Give Peace A Chance, Thank You John!

mike pierceall, El cajon, CA

Well done to Harry for going and well done to all the other members of our armed forces for going and doing a good job and putting their lives at risk. We're talking about people who are professionals, doing their job in dangerous situations and to the best of their ability and equipment. We should be supporting them all.
If you want to be negative then critise the government for getting them into the situation, criticise the treasury for not giving them the money for equipment or better pay, criticise extremists, criticise the oil majors or whatever turns you on politically, just grow up a bit and support the people that have the guts to do a job you don't.

Richard, Ludlow, Shropshire

Many Australians wish rid themselves of the monarchy,after this cheap trick. I suggest the monarchy gets rid of them.

Hinchwick, Riberac , France

Good for Prince Harry. Pretty pitiful to note that many of the negative comments seem to be coming from the UK.

Steve Evans, Hong Kong,

Breaking News: 'Soldier goes to Afghanistan'.

I am particularly enjoying the self-absorbed media naval gazing surrounding this non-story which centres on the freedom of the press being muzzled by the establishment. Get over yourselves and allow Harry to get on with his job. That is if the media's obsession hasn't made Harry's position in Afghanistan untenable already.

Andrew, UK,

Well done to him - a soldier doing the job he was trained for like so many others. There are several disparaging comments on here that i suspect belong to people in possession of beards, sandals and beanbags. I am warmed by the thought that whatever you have to say of HRH in the negative will forever hold no water. He is a brave young man doing the job he has - he chose to go over there, to serve his country. He could have not, but he did. The beanbags will say its an illegal war - well its official and soldiers and civilians are dying over there because of it, I would rather see it fought there than on our streets.
Good job young man HRH Harry ... your family has a history of serving, I seriously doubt many politicians can say the same.

IBROW, London, UK

Well done Harry, I guess some media will be critical if you are removed as a danger to your mates even though they were the ones who put you in that position. Pity some of the M.P.'s son's, sorry assistants/researchers will not follow suit

Ed, Glasgow, U.K.

It puts into perspective the lack of support from *some* of our NATO allies when we are willing to send the 3rd in-line to the throne to Afghanistan.

Tim, Scotland, UK of A

Stay strong brother! I'm here to say it's time to put your hands together and give it up for the Prince who steps out, stands up and hangs strong with his brothers.

Some run. Some stay and face the fire. I can see where he's standing - shoulder to shoulder with his crew. And to the hates - he's thrown it down and said, "you can't take my joy." That's right and that's true.

We see how you roll, Harry. The pistol on the chest says you're a player and the tour in sandbox shows you know the right game. Keep real, Harry. Keep it real.

DeShawn, Detroit, Michigan

Karen, it's not a royal PR exercise, it wasn't meant to be known about until the tour ended, but an Aussie site decided it was too good to pass up and ratted on him. Good on the Prince for doing what politicians and their offspring haven't the backbone to do.

In the words of Shakespeare, "For Harry, God and England."

Tim Hamilton, Chatham,

Prince Harry IS a "real" soldier. And, I agree that is is a shame that the Austrialian news group and the Web sites couldn't keep their mouths shut.

A F, Meridian, USA

Karen Campbell - Harry has passed out of Sandhurst and has completed the demanding course to be a JTAC. If he wasn't up to the latter, he wouldn't have passed, no matter who his grandmother is. He has been involved in combat more than once.

As far as his peers are concerned, he *is* a 'proper soldier'. Unless and until you have similar experience, you have no ability to express an opinion on who is a proper soldier and who isn't.

AJ West, Shrivenham, UK

The war in Afghanistan is just one front of the global battle by the elitists for world government. This occupation was "justified" by the attacks on the world trade centre in 2001, however troops were in Afghanistan before this happened. More and more people are waking up now and questioning who really perpetrated these events and who stands to gain from scaring the population into submitting to tyrannical legislation and accepting wars. The official story of 9/11 is a fraud and the same can be said for 7/7. The government is lying to us and will continue with these revolting wars on both us and foreign nations until people demand the truth.
I repeat, THIS IS A PR STUNT!

Chris, Oxford, UK

Chris, how dare you belittle the loss of life on 11 September 2001, 11 March 2003 (Spain) and 7 July 2005 (London). You seriously need help if you think these are PR stunts! Start asking questions of people responsible - via Al-Jazeera maybe? By God you have a problem!.

LT, Warminster, UK

This is in response to RebRob in the UK who says that media in America should "keep its mouth shut." Mr. RebRob, perhaps you should move to a country where the media is controlled by the government- oh, then again you are. Thank god for DrudgeReport and it's uncensored coverage. I don't think DrudgeReport should not cover a story just because the story is about a Prince. Keep reading the BBC, sir.

Brian Rosen, Shanghai, China

Everyone seems to be speaking harshly about the drudge report; I understand why, but your not getting the whole truth. You are clearly seeing a significant amount of videos and photos of the Prince in action, and who took these? Matt Drudge himself? Or maybe everyone rushed over today to get these exclusive clips? The Mod or royal family clearly wanted these members of the media there to document this, and surely there was a desire for it to be leaked. Nobody wants harm to come to him or his team, but this is a PR gold mine for the royal family and military. On that note, Harry is to be commended; unlike some other men and woman in both the British and American Govt's.

P.S. don't shoot the messenger

Tim, Phila, USA

Bravo Harry
Cheers from the boys in the PPCLI

D.F., London, Canada

Godspeed Harry and his brave band of men, and women!
You make us proud here in Canada.

Robert, Hamilton, Canada

It would be a shame if Prince Harry were denied the opportunity to continue serving his country in the British Army in Afghanistan in spite of efforts of the enemy to do him harm. He is a good example for the edification of his contemporaries in Britain and a source of pride for his family.

R. L. Schwind, Smyrna, Georgia - USA

Good on you Harry.... and all the other British, US and other troops out there

john, London, England

Good for Harry and his Grandmother! He talked the talk, and has now walked the walk. Churchill is proud of you young man!

Jim, Belmont, California USA

Good on you Harry! You've done Britain proud. And you've done it in the right way.

Good answers too. Sincere and to the point. There's no faking what he has done out there.

AT, Sydney, Australia

The Prince represents the best of Britain. As do all the other Brits serving in your military. You've got many fine and honorable men. Never forget them. The Prince won't.
God bless them all.

zqll, Dallas, USA/Texas

You should be very proud of your Prince.

Len C, wakefield, ma USA

It doesn't surprise me he's been here as he hasn't been pictured falling out of clubs lately. Why all this royal PR exercise? We should be thinking of the real soldiers out there and those who have lost there lives. I'm finding it all rather distasteful.

Karen Campbell, Old Basing, England

Do we not recall the gushing enthusiasm, the eagerness, the crooning, the 'ooh-ing', the 'aah-ing' with which we waited for baby's first poo? Or that first word 'gaga' - wondering all the while and perplexed as to whether this untutored utterance was indicative of some relative status (i.e. father or grandmother or grandfather) or was it alas denotative of a general status of mental being.

Thus we look today a princely youth, some 'Harry for England and St George' on the road perhaps to Samarkand; we gush, we croon, we drool at the first flush of real manhood and the rich flavour of dangerous and daring battle in a forlorn land (that might for all we know be just such a little corner of very England herself.) All sterling stuff, no doubt. A very Boy's Own adventure of empire! That sort of material and genre!

We remember too dear Prince Christian and comfort ourselves in the knowledge that this prince at least has not yet ended up under a knobkerry.

David E. Mahony, Putney, London,

Bailey of South Carolina, I suspect you aren't aware of his Uncle (helicopter pilot in the Falklands War) and Grandfather's (WW2) war record?
Harry is "just" following the family tradition.
I'm not even a Royalist myself, I judge people on what they do, not who they are.

It is shameful that "Druge" couldn't keep its mouth shut.

RebRob, Birmingham, UK

Most admirable...the royals have the concept of noblesse oblige down perfectly.

Too bad that many others don't.

V. Heinz, Oakland, California

Why not ?

Taher, Damascus,

Well, at least this proves good intension by the British to show the importance of stabilizing Afghanistan. Great show of bravery by the Royals.

Wonder when Mr Bush (or his family member[s]) will have such courage. I thought Mr Bush was "commander In chief" ?

Mohammed, London, UK

From the story and accompanying video British forces, like ours, are holed up in Viet nam era like fire bases. The enemy strategy is brilliant. With definitive victory impossible we are being bled white financially and politically. Muslim terror would be better controlled with tough immigration and border controls plus enhanced domestic security efforts. The best way to win the Islamic world's hearts and minds is to get out of their faces which means pulling out of Iraq and Afghanistan. East is east and west is west and neither the twain shall meet.

MARK KLEIN, M.D., OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Why is he wearing USA insignia so prominently? A member of the Britrish Royal Family has been branded with the flag of the rebellion on his head, the stars & stripes. It is a shameful illustration of whose poodles we all are not just Blair.

He may have well had George Dubya tatooed on his foehead wrapped in a heart.

He showed better judgement and dignity when he wore a German Afrika Korps uniform to a party some years back.

A A Milbrook, Bridgewater, UK

Da iawn Harry ! Regardless of what and where he served in Afghanistan at least he is there where he wanted to be , and good luck to him . He will hopefully come back a stronger person.

Matt Drudge ... This is not investigative journalism ,just going for a quick buck. He has shot himself in the foot this time ,people will turn against him en masse

SRH, Worcester,

Instead of enjoying life, getting things most other people dream of their whole lifes, he joined the British Army, and gained in my opinion and honorable and even more noble status. This is not only a man of noble blood, but of noble mind and honor. God bless the prince.

Daniel, Vienna, Austria

As a secret combatant Harry is just another infantryman. As a public one he is a prince. It is a lot easier for an Afghan, loyal to his country, to say "I support Prince Harry" than it is to say "I support the British military authorities". Prince Harry might just win this war for us.

Malcolm McLean, Bradford, UK

GO HARRY!!!
Good to see a Royal get stuck in like they used to.
He should be the next King

Phill Barlow, The Wirral, England

This is what British Monarchy should do, not patronise Pacific Islanders and African Tribesmen whilst on a paid-for jaunt around the world.

Good stuff Harry. I already have more respect for you than I do for the rest of your family combined, apart from Princess anne.

J. Wilkes, Gloucester,

Way to go! Good for you Harry. Give'em hell over there! Glad the UK is on our side.

Bailey , Greenville , South Carolina, USA

Well done Harry - I am not a royalist - far from it - but it is good to see this brave young man fighting for his country (me & you) - stay lucky Harry - how about our MPs children, are any of them fighting for the country that is paying them so well, or are they just taking the expenses?

Marty, London, England

HG. London and those few disparagers of Prince Harry should remember that they 'aint there and probably have never been anywhere more dangerous than their local pub. I applaud this young man who could well avoid (if he so chose)such danger but, through his sense of loyalty and duty, fought the constraints of Royal life to do his duty. He's a knock out and should be recognised as such not debased by 'no-can-do' layabouts. Rock on Harry!

Galahad, Taunton, UK

He is already back in UK. There was not even one picture of drunk Harry for a month. So he was on war.

Michael, London, UK

This only confirms what I've believed for ten years: Harry is not just a credit to his parents, but to his country too. It puts all his escapades in a better light than ever.

Andrew Denny, Canals , England

The person saying the 'staged photos' means the army leaked this doesn't understand the situation.

The prince gave advance interviews with all media outlets and allowed them to come and take the pictures.

that is what they get--for use when the embargo is lifted--in exchange for keeping quiet.

so the question is not that those were taken, but that they wouldn't have been released had drudge not been irresponsible and broken this 'story' to early.

Richard, US,

Harry - your a tiger mate. Give him a Cosmo and a shooter and let him get on with it.

I always remember the job you guys do and what we can do because of it.

Drudge - don't think you'll get a very warm reception in the UK now you Muppet. Hope your headline was worth loosing all those regulars for.....

James, Glasgow,

Its nice to see someone in high society face the grim reality of this kind of war...which is usually saved for "lower class" patriots...go get 'em Harry!

Randy, Calgary,

I fully applaud Harry's bravery and good on him for wanting to serve his country. However, his presence there could get him and many others killed and should never have been allowed. These things always come out somehow. Unfortunately you can't always do what you want in life, Royal or not, and Harry should have accepted that. I just hope that the irresponsible American press have not just sentenced Harry and his brave fellow soldiers to death. The Taliban will surely be on the hunt for him now.

Claire Morris, Warwick,

well done harry whever you are a right good chap
and a fine example of the modern royal familly

gary brayne, shrewsbury, shropshire

Er excuse me but fighting in a war perpetrated by US /UK politicians in response to September 11th to capture Osama but in reality was to secure oil and increase arms salesfor the US is not repeat not the kind of moral example an otherwise harmless royal cocktail swigger should be setting.

S Ward, Brighton, Sussex, England

Royals led the army in the past, so why not now?

And the Taleban are just a bunch of hypocrits 'dedicated' Muslims yet Islam preaches peace toward other faiths not hate like the radicals do.

Lewis, Wisbech, UK

After this display of national honour and duty by a member of the Royal Family, there will no doubt be a rush by all footballers, pop stars and the offsprings of members of parliament to sign on and do their bit for their country!
Just like Harry!

Jack, Manchester,

Photo-op aside, I feel that it is very noble of him to serve his country. What a character builder, kudos to him for not playing the pretty playboy role that he was/is destined for. Three cheers to the Prince!

The Hammer, San Francisco, USA

seriously, who cares. whose life is this going to affect, knowing this bit of news? the army is never going to be his career, just another character building step in the house of windsor family development programme. will it make him a better person? after throwing his toys out of the pram to be 'allowed' to go i doubt it. so the army bosses gave in and sent him on a 'news blackout' mission which was bound to be an excellent publicity tool when he got back.
almost as good as william becoming a pilot in a specially abbreviated flying course tailored for him.

mat, dorchester, uk

We're very proud of you Harry well done!

martin, london, england

The war in Afghanistan is just one front of the global battle by the elitists for world government. This occupation was "justified" by the attacks on the world trade centre in 2001, however troops were in Afghanistan before this happened. More and more people are waking up now and questioning who really perpetrated these events and who stands to gain from scaring the population into submitting to tyrannical legislation and accepting wars. The official story of 9/11 is a fraud and the same can be said for 7/7. The government is lying to us and will continue with these revolting wars on both us and foreign nations until people demand the truth.
I repeat, THIS IS A PR STUNT!

Chris, Oxford, UK

Shame on the Drudge people how low can you go it's no
wonder the media are so hated. But the British media are
to be congradulated and most of all so is Harry a true Prince.

Liz, Mission KS, USA

Are they kidding me? This war sucks and its illegal, for me this guy has to stop to play with peoples lives out there... i