Prince Harry in Afghanistan

The Ministry of Defence has been forced to withdraw Prince Harry from frontline duty in Afghanistan after his position was revealed by US media.

The royal has been serving in the Helmand province of Afghanistan for ten weeks, with his position kept secret thanks to a media blackout agreed by editors across all forms of UK media.

But the US-based Drudge Report website yesterday broke the story, following an unintentional leak by the Australian women's magazine New Idea.

The media agreed to hold back reports of Prince Harry's service amid concerns publicity would make him and his fellow officers a target for Taliban insurgents.

In return, a select group of journalists were allowed to visit the prince on duty for exclusive interviews to be published on his return. Prince Harry told reporters he was "excited" to be serving.

With the prince's position now exposed, General Richard Dannatt, head of the British Army, said he was seeking further advice on the royal's future.

The embargo has been criticised by some, with questions raised over what else the British media would be prepared to cover-up under government instruction.

Politicians and the media have been unanimous in praise of Prince Harry, who has in the past received criticism for his party lifestyle.

Prince Harry's deployment to Helmand province followed an aborted attempt to serve duty in Iraq, which was abandoned amid security concerns, exacerbated by widespread publicity of his position.

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