Even though his secret deployment didn't last long, Prince Harry says his military mission in Afghanistan gave him the freedom to be normal.
Prince Harry has been secretly serving on the front line in Helmand since December. But he will now be pulled out of Afghanistan after news of his deployment to the region was leaked in the media, Britain's Ministry of Defence confirmed Friday.
Despite that, it appears the few months of relative obscurity Harry found in Afghanistan have had a profound effect on the young prince.
"I think this is about as normal as I'm ever going to get," Harry said during his time at a dangerous outpost.
"It's bizarre,'' he said. "I'm out here now, haven't really had a shower for four days, haven't washed my clothes for a week and everything seems completely normal. It's nice just to be here with all the guys and just mucking in as one of the lads."
It appears that during his service the prince impressed his commander, Brig. Andrew Mackey, who wrote that Harry "acquitted himself with distinction."
In the past, Harry has said he would like to make the military a long-term career. Analysts say his service in Afghanistan should give him some credibility with ordinary soldiers.
"It will set him apart from the people who haven't been on active service," said Charles Heyman, an author who specializes in military affairs.
"That's the most important thing for a soldier.''
According to reports, Prince Harry was responsible for calling in air strikes on Taliban positions.
A statement released by the British defence ministry said: "Whilst it had been intended that Prince Harry should return in a matter of weeks with the remainder of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battlegroup, the situation has now clearly changed ... Following a detailed assessment of the risks by the operational chain of command, the decision has been taken ... to withdraw Prince Harry from Afghanistan immediately."
The ministry said the decision was made primarily because the worldwide media coverage could put both Harry and other soldiers in the region at risk.
The prince's planned deployment had previously been disclosed to reporters, but there was a pool agreement between the British government and news organization not to report the story to reduce safety risks.
After the story was published by some western media outlets earlier this week, the British released video images -- including interviews -- of Harry in Afghanistan.
Bob Satchwell, the director of the Society of Editors, who helped broker the prince's media deal, left open the possibility that a similar situation could occur in the future.
"You should never say never," he said.
"(The deal) worked for a significant time, and it allowed Prince Harry to be deployed."
With files from The Associated Press
