PM `exploiting disabled to save own hide`

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The magazine was named by the US-based Drudge Report website as one of two media outlets that had broken a secret deal between the young royal and the press.

As part of the deal a group of journalists visited the prince in Helmand on condition that details would only be publicised once he was safely back in Britain.

But a headline still available on New Idea`s website and dated February 14 reads: "Prince Harry Goes To War in Afghanistan".

Another article, with a January publication date, is headed: "Prince Harry: War Lord".

However, it was a short piece posted on the US-based Drudge Report website that forced the British Ministry of Defence to drop the cloak of secrecy today.

The website, which has made its name breaking controversial stories, ran a story - billed as a "World Exclusive`` - which read: "They`re calling him `Harry the Hero`!``

"New Idea was not issued with a press embargo and was unaware of the existence of one," the magazine said.

"The story was published on Monday, January 7. Since then New Idea has received no comment from the British Ministry of Defence.

"We take these matters very seriously and would never knowingly break an embargo. We regret any issues the revelation of this story in America has caused today.

British Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt was furious the strictly enforced embargo had been broken.

"I am very disappointed that foreign websites have decided to run this story without consulting us," he said.

"This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the UK print and broadcast media, along with a small number of overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations.

"After a lengthy period of discussion between the MOD and the editors of regional, national and international media, the editors took the commendable attitude to restrain their coverage.

"Now that the story is in the public domain, the chief of defence staff and I will take advice from the operational commanders about whether his deployment can continue."

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