Browne: "Great pity" embargo was broken

Prince Harry has been serving with "courage and distinction" while fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan, defence secretary Des Browne has said.

After it emerged the prince, formerly best known for his heavy drinking and party lifestyle, has been fighting in Helmand province, Mr Browne praised the prince's service.

Mr Browne said: "I am delighted that Prince Harry has had the opportunity to serve on operations in Afghanistan with his Battlegroup.

"We can be proud of him and all his fellow soldiers - we owe them all a great deal."

News of Prince Harry's deployment was supposed to have remained secret until his safe return and Mr Browne said it was a "great pity" a foreign website had broken the news.

"The British media have shown great restraint in not reporting his deployment and I would like to thank them for doing so," he added.