Max Clifford is correct. It wasn't a very sophisticated PR effort and was quite predictable. However, it will fool the people who want to be fooled, the people who wave flags when Royals pass (grannys and nutters). Get him back to the front line asap. (if he is killed or injured please ignore what I've just written)

darren, cambridge, UK

Max Cliffords views about Harry seems to centre around 3 key points: that the British Crown are milking the positive pr opportunity presented; that Harry was given special treatment; and that Harry may now be in more danger as a result of the coverage that's come out.

None of these points are incisive. Of course they are milking the pr opportunity but SO WHAT?? Surely this young man deserves some positive pr after what the press have done to his Mum and the way they hound him for not living up to the archaic moral standards that they impose on anyone famous enough to arouse their collective envy. Further, OF COURSE he wasn't treated the same as any other soldier. He is the Prince of England for goodness sake and it is only rational for the commanders to want to keep him out of harms way as best they can. But this does not mean that he was not brave to go there and that he was not in any danger. And Harry would be a target for extremists anyway, so Max's arguments hold no water.

Jake Gonzales, London, UK

I think it was very nice that Prince Harry had his own personal photographers and video personel have him pose so well. If only all the soldiers in Afghanistan could be so lucky!

Bud Dickman, San Bernadino, CA

I want to be rich instead of 'normal' - can anyone help?

C Hasirci, Javea, Spain

if only Diana had some more sons we would have beaten the teleban by now, hopefully the boys that are left can finish the job now he had shown them how.

he is our bravest bravest prince hooray for Harry

terry steer, bath,

And I bet that Prince Harry received state of the art equipment in perfect working order.
Perhaps he should be seconded in turn to each of the other units and then maybe the rest of our brave lads and lasses would receive all the protection and equipment that THEY deserve.

Michelle, Worcester, UK

That's a bit rich, coming from someone who's only talent is making a living off the backs of others. Parasite?
Still it cheers up the anti-Monarchist bunch, as evidenced by some of the comments made. All non-producers I suspect.

Gordon Perrygrove, Birmingham, England

So, who the hell is Max Clifford anyway? I don't think I've suffered from never having heard of him.

Three cheers for Prince Harry and England!

Paul Woodside, San Jose, California

All respect to Harry for going to Afghanistan and serving some time in the front line - I guess he was unlikely ever to serve a full 6 month tour as other soldiers do, but he did willingly go where the bullets were flying. I think he deserves credit for that. BUT it is also clear that the British Army and the monarchy have also finally gotten media-savvy in the way they have milked the situation for maximum positive publicity. This is not a criticism - for years they have been behind the times on this and have suffered accordingly. Harry may still be a party boy - I suspect he always will be - but he did join the Army and go where he was posted. Interested though why Drudge outed him when he did - what was there to gain as it was hardly a scoop, merely the breaking of an embargo? If there was any media manipulation it was here, allowing Harry to be brought home safely after serving a respectable time in the front line.......

Phil Crosby, London, UK

Graham Abu Dhabi says "The story was going to leak out sooner or later so he never was going to do a 6 month stint like everyone else." In fact Harry was on a 4-month posting and he was more than half way through when the story got out. It doesn't sound like a leak was ever part of the plan.

Alex, London,

Max is the one trying to pull off a PR stunt and it worked he got his name in the paper. What has he done lately for the UK?

G C. L. Gray, Wash , DC

Don't tar every one with your own brush Max!

Jen, London,

Well then, Max Clifford. Let's see you have the courage of your convictions and sign up for a period of duty in Afghanistan. Trying to be clever and chucking in the latest term "virtual reality" may may you look as though your with it but I hardly think the injured guys who came home on the plane with Harry had virtual reality injuries do you! That was no publicity stunt.
It was the expression of a young man who has been interested in soldiering since he was a young boy; who has been expensively trained to be a soldier and who wished to properly perform as a soldier. At long last, he has been allowed to do that and it is a shame that the Drudge Report blew it for him. And even more of a shame that Max Clifford should put him down. Well done, Harry!

Janet Couzens, London , England

Poor old Max. I guess he wasn't asked to negotiate the press blackout. Oh dear never mind.

tel, Barnstaple, UK

I now have some respect for Prince Harry who has served his country. I have non for Clifford who merely sneers for his, however I promise I will change my mind and begin to respect him if he goes into a combat zone for ten weeks as a FAC. Fair enough?

MP, Nth Lincs., England.

so let me ask you this Max Clifford, if Harry had been blown up by a landmine and was lying in pieces in Helmand Province, would you still say that was a publicity stunt?

The media surrounding this whole issue disgusts me and I think is an embarrassment for Britain. We should be supporting our brave soldiers doing their job to the best of their ability, NOT tearing them down unnecessarily. If you haven't been there yourself - in the firing line for 10 weeks- you have no right to judge and assume.

louox, paris,

Harry's not one of your clients then, Max ?!

But you still got your own name in the papers again I see...

Keith, Guildford,

What Max says is "Toatlly true".
Amazing how mostly the 'fooled' americans do not agree with this reality.
The brits know when the wool is being pulled over their eyes.
Harry was never put into dangerous situations while out there. Everything was done for the 'cameras'

Arvin, London, GB

If Harry had stayed at home, Clifford would've called him a whimp, and if he had gone you'd have called it a publicity stunt anyway. So he'll never win in the eyes of a journalist.
But he has won in the eyes of the British army and the British public. I would like to see Clifford on the front line for half a day and see if he enjoys getting all the attention from the Taliban snipers.

Oliver Seddon, Shanghai, China

If you never had 'service time' you'll never understand this...try eating 'Army' chow for 10 weeks....Prince Harry did a duty for country...all you nay sayers get in line and "join-up" for your country......what ? No takers....

Mr Tim, san marcos, U S of A /Ca

Eighteen years ago I also spent as much time in clubs and bars as my job would allow. A few months later, I was sitting in the commander's hatch of my tank, just south of the Iraqi border, waiting for the order to start engines.

Soldiers are rarely on best behavior before and after deployment. Sometimes they are known to drink and carouse. I realize this comes as a shock to those of overly sensative natures.

As for Harry's deployment being a publicity stunt, I'd say the publicity stunt would have been for one of the Blair or Bush children to enlist for duty in Iraq. All Harry is doing is upholding a family tradition of service.

James, Milwaukee, USA

But don't blame Harry!
I am quite surprised that Clifford would have spoken so openly about what some people must be thinking. I think he could well be right. If one looks at the whole situation I think it is plausible. Here are some views (A.) The story was going to leak out sooner or later so he never was going to do a 6 month stint like everyone else. (B.) He was in dire need of an image makeover (C.) He had three guys always watching his back and no one wanted to see him injured on their watch (D.) He has said he "enjoyed" his time at war ..I can't recall hearing many soldiers ever say that and (E.) It is great PR for the military so they would have been pleased to accomodate.

This all said, let's give him credit for going there and pitching in. He was doing a real job and that is more than many of his relatives can say. Even if it was a PR stunt he got a chance to do something and let's not take that away from him because he had the "misfortune" for him of being born a Royal.

Graham, Abu Dhabi,

Right on Harry! The only PR stunt is probably from Max Clifford...trying to get attention.

It most be awful not to have a regular life and make your own decisions. Harry is not only brave, cute but has alot of spunk. I hope he never loses his charisma or his spirit.

Trisha, Edmonton, Canada

Horray for Prince Harry and England!

Peter, Dubai , UAE

May I refer the writer to the March 1, 2008 edition of the State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina. The address is www.thestate.com. There he will find a page one story about a local man who served with Prince Harry. He speaks highly of Prince Harry's direct involvment in battle and of his attitude as one of the regulars. It is doubtful that this American soilder has been co-oped by Buckingham Palace. I can not help but feel that the writer has an ax to grind or is simply malicious. Or is only posing as a writer.

M. Vincent Savage, Florence, South Carolina

I belive Harry, acted acording, to a fine tradition of honor and duty. He was driven to serve his country, the very country he may be King of one day. He chose this task, at personal risk to himself, to his very life. For 10 weeks, he served not as Prince Harry, but as Harry, combat soldier, of the British Army. He chose this path in life as a man. As a fine young man, we all hoped he would become. I believe, we have seen nobility at it's best. I for one ,am very proud Harry, and the responsible young man he has become. Prince Harry, I salute you!

Kendel Houts, Austin, USA/ Texas

Harry was going to be damned if he went and damned if he didn't. The prince saw his duty and he did it. God bless him.

Ronald, Roanoke, Virginia USA

Is this comment another PR stunt from Max Clifford.........

Jon, Aberdeen,

Clifford, you are so wrong. Get your backside out there, for 10 weeks, along with the other Journos, and then report back. What have YOU done to serve your country?

P M O'Meeghan, British Military Mission, Kuwait

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Only a fool would join the military. These wars that soldiers fight cause more chaos and injuries to innocent by-standers. IT just pours petrol onto the flames

mike, london, uk

I agree with Mr Clifford,the whole thing has been a PR stunt.
It would have been more convincing if Harry was shown walking on the moon.

Yak, edinburgh, uk

Absolutely. This is a mockery and an absolute insult to the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

We do not live in a cynical world, this is just a farce. Actually one of the more evil stunts I've seen from this regime.

Dan Bartol, San Cochino, CA

A propaganda exercice to rehabilitate a wastrel prince's rapidly tarnishing reputation. THEY had to send him to war to transform him into a "hero" but of course had to keep it secret to prevent him being the "bullet magnet".

But as soon as he's revealed as being there, he's snatched home, no doubt to the relief of his grandmother.

If THEY had let him come home without using the film footage as such crude propaganda it would have seemed so much more decent.

If he really wanted to be "Tommy Atkins" then why all the publicity ? Because despite being brave, he's a stupid lad who has allowed himself to be used by the Royals' PR machine and Brown's attempts to legitimise an illegal war.

A war we can't win, as in all wars in the region of the "Great Game". No doubt, after much expenditure of guided 500kg bombs (well done Harry!) and civilian bloodshed we shall find an excuse to withdraw. And the poppy fields will still flourish amongst the corpses. They will hate us forever.

A.Kirk, Manchester, UK

Mr Clifford is a big wheel in the PR game. He may be the big wheel but I don't know because he is a rather more enthusiastic self publicist than any of his peers and exposure of the type he gets commenting on high profile events helps to keep his fees up. I think there is some truth in what he is saying but the emphasis is over the top and I would hazard a guess that those who know him well wouldn't disagree with this comment and nor will Mr Clifford at some time in the future.

Sandy Nelson, London, UK

He is a young guy wanting to do his job that's all. Damned if he did and damned if he didn't.

Maybe a few of the people Max represents should try and do something worthwhile to improve their image. ie, Ms. Kerry Katona whom he seems to think is so wonderful. Says it all.

Sarah, Surrey,

"His father was a well respected Naval Officer?"

His father spent a few months in the RAF, then swapped into the Navy, until he got given a minesweeper to play with. And on the strength of five years peacetime "service" he gets to strut around in a choice of fancy uniforms, as a General, Admiral, and Air Marshal.

Mind you, that's nothing compared to the list of Colonelships that Harry's granny got for having learned to drive a truck, while his auntie -- with no military service whatsoever -- is colonel of umpteen regiments and has even been seen impersonating a naval officer.

The whole family is nothing but an enormous PR stunt.

Tim Bartlett, upwell, norfolk

PR stunt? What a load of road apples!

Harry's always demonstrated a desire to not be stifled by his royal role.

Maybe that accounts for some of the normal behaviour that he exhibited as a teenage boy and young man that the media used to seize on and crucify him in the press!

He finally had a chance to do what he wanted - serve his country, be around comrades who called him 'Harry', and have some sort of a life without a camera on him all the time!

michele, Victoria,

Prince Harry is to be commended for going to Afghanistan if for no reason than he demonstrated real pride in his country and honor for Britains storied history. Here in the U.S. our political leaders and so called "royal families" would never allow their sons or daughters to serve in the millitary, let alone be deployed to a war zone. P.R. stunt or not, I am very happy for Harry. He's a pretty brave kid.

Carl, St Petersburg, USA/Florida

I'm sick of reading all these barbs about Prince Harry.

Of course they would "look after" him. No matter what anyone says, he is NOT Private Smith, nor can he ever be but that is not to say that he deserves all this blatant criticism.

How many of these mud slingers have ever put their lives in danger??

Leave the lad alone and stop damning him for everything he does (or does not). He can't change the fact that he was born into the royal family.

Rosy Knight, Sheffield,

I do not see ho one can justifiably criticuse those who have fought for their country, and I am not sure upon what basis the civilian, Mr Clifford, does so. If there was a managed element to all this, it seems odd to place the balance of censure in mr Clifford's hands.

David John Marusza, Islington, England

people will pay some regard to Max Cliffords comments after he returns from a stint covering the same areas of combat as Prince Harry.

Roger Middleton., Mooroolbatk, Australia

What a cynical world we live in. He is after all only doing his "job". No more, no less, than any other Soldier. He is no more a hero than any other soldier but no less so either. Can we, just for once, leave it at that. Hs Father was a well respected Naval Officer and so was his Uncle.

L, Portsmouth, uk

I immediately thought it strange when he was firing the machine gun , he was not looking down the sights ,it all seemed very casual.Then a regular who had spent some long time in the army ,said he had never seen an officer fire a machine gun as it is as a specialist's job.Says it all really.
I don't doubt he wantedd to be there but with all the lies this government has fed us this seems to fit in with that attitude of theirs.

kevin, kingston, gb

I fully endorse Mr. Clifford's views. It was a PR stunt form start to finish and wherever Harry served, frontline or not, I can bet my last cent the army took extra precautions for him. All this exercise did was to put his comrades at risk, purely to satisfy a royal's rather juvenile ambition. Welcome home, Harry. The troops are safer now.

Vin, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Of course it's a PR stunt, but that said, at least they let him go. It is his "right" as member of the armed forces to go where everyone else does. Completely refusing to allow him to go would have discredited him with his men, at least now they know that he has been there, regardless of whether he was sent home earlier or not.
Quite frankly, if the modern media do not know when to shut up about things and when not to, then they just shouldn't allow royals in the military at all, because they will always create these problems - royals serving in wars before was never an issue - it is simply because the modern media hypes everything up and in so doing, creates the issue.

Helen, St Petersburg, Russia

People you cant have it both ways. First its Harry is drinking and fighting in clubs he should do something positive. When he does do something positive,.. Oh he did not really do that, his grandmother is up to something...its a PR stunt. Max Clifford stop trying to poor dirt on something that does not concern you and please let this young man celebrate his achievement. Jealousy my friend is a terrible thing.
Harry everyone is proud of you, do not listen to old men who wish they had done something positive with their lives. Mr Clifford here is obviously suffering from I wish I had.... syndrome.

Khadijat Ezimokhai, Birmingham,

What a lot of republican clap trap. He's a young man who is serving his country. I suggest all you armchair warriers get a life. He's probably done more in ten weeks than you have ever done in your whole lives!!

Rob, leeds, UK

Prince Harry's deployment in Afghanistan is well within the traditions of the Royal Families down through history. He can, from his perspective, give valuable information to his father and members of the family, and can be a bit of inspiration to the public. The experience will stretch him. I think it was a poor move for the Australian newspaper and the American Drudge Report to rat on his deployment. It is not a question of Freedom of the Press as it is the Responsibility of the Press. I think a dirty trick was played on him.

Tom, Greensboro, Vermont USA

Of course, Max Clifford never misbehaved when he was young.

RB, Aberdeen,

Forward air controller is a dangerous job. I don't think any serviceman will tell you differently.

Of course Prince Harry was sent to Afghanistan for propaganda reasons. That's what this war is about. If it was a war of destruction we could have carpet-bombed every Muslim town in the world by now, but that's not the idea.

Malcolm McLean, Bradford, UK

I don't think any more or any less of the monarchy because of this PR stunt.

I say stuff the monarchy, bring on the Republic.

Joe, Darwen, England

Why doesn't Max Clifford spend 10 weeks in Helmand Province serving side by side with other soldiers and see if he still thinks it is a publicity stunt.

Sharon, Swanage, Dorset, UK

To say he is 'a real hero'; a secret hero'; .................. like some media proclaimed and so forth is an insult to those left behind. He is a soldier in name, certainly NOT in reality - a HEAVY BURDEN for others to guard his safety. Simply put, a PR excercise for show, to say otherwise is a fool paradise.

A.S., B'ham, UK

Max Clifford is as relevant as a VHS player - still useable - but lost in the past !!!

Tom, NYC, US

Maybe Mr Clifford forgets that Prince Harry is a young man and young men like to go out to nightclubs, I did and I bet he did when he was young. But young men can also be brave and a credit to their families and their nation. Prince Harry always wanted to be a soldier and has now been given a chance to be with his men.

christopher downing, Moscow , Russia

I agree. There was no way on this earth that they were willing to let Harry be in any risk what so ever.

Arthur, Newcastle,

Hurrah for Max. At least he seee it and say ti as it really is. The media coverage is totally over the top and so sycophantic.

sylvia savage, Tunbridge Wells, U>K>

As far as publicity stunts go Clifford should know what he's taking about. However I wish he could request the army to go where Harry has been and see how well he can be shielded..

Dick Berkeley, London, UK