Thursday, February 28, 2008

Prince Harry fighting in Afghanistan


The Drudge Report which leaked the news today

News has leaked via American media outlets that Prince Harry has been serving in Afghanistan since 17th December 2007. British media had agreed to a blackout, but after several US News websites and broadcasters reported the information the UK TV News channels swiftly reported on the story. The Drudge Report was the first to report the news at 11:01 ET [16:01 GMT]. This is how the website reported the news: They're calling him "Harry the Hero!" British Royal Prince Harry has been fighting in Afghanistan since late December -- and has been directly involved in gun battle, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. The prince, a junior officer in the Blues and Royals, and third in line to the throne, has been a "magnificent soldier" and an "inspiration to all of Briton." Prince Harry is talking part in a new offensive against the Taliban. Ministry of Defense and Clarence House refuse all comment. Army chiefs have managed to keep the prince away from media and have encourage fellow soldiers in his squadron to stay quiet.

Ironically an Australian website [New Life 07/01/08 New Life 15/01/08] had already reported the story as had the German publication Bild. But it was only after the Drudge Report picked up the story that the news became more widespread.

The MoD has been highly critical of the leak and made public statements to that effect. CNN broke the news shortly after 17:00 GMT and the UK media swiftly followed. According to reports Prince Harry has been serving on the frontline in Helmand province. The reporting of the news may jeopardize Harry’s role and he may be withdrawn from action. The Prince had been set to serve until April.

[BBC / Sky News / CNN]

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