Soldiers show support for Prince Harry

Prince Harry on patrol in the dangerous Helmand province

Scores of soldiers have been texting Newsbeat to show their support for Prince Harry.

He is being withdrawn from Afghanistan after news broke of him serving there on the front line.

The 23-year-old royal, who has spent the last 10 weeks serving in Helmand Province, is to be flown back to the UK amid concerns for his safety.

The move follows the collapse of a news blackout deal with the British press after foreign media leaked the story.

There had been fears the prince, who is third in line to the throne, could become a target for the Taleban.

Proud of Harry

Newsbeat listener Neil from Lincoln texted in and said: "I've served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I'd be proud to serve alongside Harry over there."

Ja from Scotland spoke for many when he said he thought the prince should be allowed to stay out there. He said: "He is doing his job and if I had the chance I would serve under him. I'm proud of him."

Ben from Staffordshire said he thought Harry should continue fighting there too. He said: "I think as a serving soldier Prince Harry should stay because he is already in Afghanistan and knows the risks.

"Any normal soldier wouldn't be pulled out just because of increased risk. I'm sure he would want to stay as well."

Let Harry stay

Alex in Duston also wished the prince well and said: "I am glad and proud that my prince has been able to carry out his duties as he was trained to do. He chose to be a soldier and should be treated as such. I wish him and his comrades a safe tour."

Have your say: Did you support Prince Harry on the frontline?

Daz from East Yorkshire shared a similar view. He texted: "It does not matter who they are or where they are from, every soldier from royalty to commoner in every theatre of operations is a target. Leave him be."

Jo in Notts agreed, texting: "Leave Harry alone it is his job and he wants to do his job and be there."

PR stunt?

However, Steve from Stoke thought the prince was putting his colleagues in danger. He said: "As a prince and a high profile one, I think it a bit foolish to put so many of his troops if not the whole army at risk over what seems now to be a royal PR stunt."

He continued: "He should know his place and stop trying to impress the masses. It's a dangerous game he is playing."

Danielle from Scotland agreed. She said: "My fiance is heading over there and Harry is putting all of the 'normal' soldiers' lives in danger. It's totally selfish of him!"

Time to go

But Wayne from the West Midlands said that although he supported the prince in doing his tour of duty, it was time for him to fly home.

He said: "I am in the forces and have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The knowledge of him being there adds a bigger risk to his troops under his control. They are now a high target.

"However I know his subordinates will support him fighting with them and I think he should have done his undisclosed stint. But it's time for him to come home now."

Mark from Birmingham agreed. He said: "You wear the uniform, you're British, you're in the battlefield, you are automatically a target - they are all taking that risk. Good on Harry, but, now that it is leaked out, to prevent an increase in attacks, he should be pulled out to protect his unit as much as himself."