Guest Author - Nicole Collins

Due to a leak in the media, Britain’s Prince Harry was pulled out of Afghanistan on February 29. The Ministry of Defense made the decision after news of Harry’s deployment and location was circulated through the media. They are attributing the leak to US news website, Drudge Report.

British officials had hoped to keep Harry’s entire deployment confidential until it was completed. It was disclosed to media outlets under a strict agreement that they would not report any details until his return. The agreement was in place to protect the prince and his Army regiment.

Since the leak, news sources have revealed that Harry had been serving on the front lines of Afghanistan’s Helmand province since December. Though most deployments least at least 6 months, Harry’s will have been a mere 10 weeks. He originally intended to serve with the Blues and Royals regiment in Iraq, but that deployment was cancelled due to security fears. Iraqi insurgents were discovered making death threats in internet chat rooms.

Despite Prince Harry’s eagerness to return to combat, officials say he will have to wait at least 18 months before returning to the Middle East. “’Angry’ would be the wrong word to use but I am slightly disappointed. I thought I could see it through to the end and come back with our guys,” Harry said. He served as a second lieutenant and hopes to return as soon as possible. He said that he already asked his commanding officer to approve another mission.

However, Harry’s return would only be possible if it did not pose a risk for his colleagues. Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, head of Britain's armed forces, told Sky News, “I would have to be clear that the risks to the operation, in the widest sense of the people deployed on that operation, would be no higher than they would normally be.”

Unfortunately it looks like that will not be possible in the near future. Experts are now saying the Taliban was aware of Harry’s deployment and had instructions to kill him. Senior Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Karim, told Newsweek that he ordered his men to capture Harry and kill him.

Prince Harry has expressed interest in being a career soldier, but with his other duties as part of the royal family, he may well just have to use his past experience to represent his country as a statesman.

And speaking of the royal family, there has been speculation that Harry’s brother, Prince William, is due to serve on a British warship soon. William is currently a military officer, but because of his position as next in line for the throne, he is unable to serve on the front lines as a foot soldier.