MoD: Prince Harry Fighting Taliban in Afghanistan
In breaking news, the Ministry of Defence confirmed late on the afternoon of February 28th that Prince Harry has been involved in front-line fighting with the Taliban whilst serving in Afghanistan.
A news blackout has effectively prevented any coverage of the Prince's tour of duty, but this arrangement fell apart at the hands of an overseas media organisation.
Dannatt: "Disappointed" at Prince Harry News Leak
Commenting on the leak, General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, described his disappointment in a statement.
"I am very disappointed that foreign websites have decided to run this story without consulting us", he said.
"This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the UK print and broadcast media, along with a small number overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations."
Prince Harry has, since December, served in Helmand Province.
General Dannatt added, in his statement: "What the last two months have shown is that it is perfectly possible for Prince Harry to be employed just the same as other Army officers of his rank and experience. His conduct on operations in Afghanistan has been exemplary.
"He has been fully involved in operations and has run the same risks as everyone else in his Battlegroup."
Paddy Harverson, Communications Secretary for the Prince of Wales, commented: "Prince Harry is very proud to serve his country on operations alongside his fellow soldiers and to do the job he has been trained for."
MoD Considering Options for Prince
According to a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, it has not yet been decided whether to keep the Prince in Afghanistan now that the news of his presence there - a fact hidden until now - has broken.
"The operational chain of command is now looking at a variety of options", the spokesman said.
Source - Armed Forces International's Political Correspondent
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