Australians angrily condemned the decision of a weekly women’s magazine to break the news blackout on Prince Harry’s deployment to Afghanistan.

The story was published in Australian tabloid magazine New Idea last month but not followed up by other media.

In an article on its website dated January 7, the magazine – nicknamed in Australia ‘No Idea’ – reported that Harry had seen front line action in Afghanistan despite opposition from the British government and members of the Royal family.

New Idea said it could “exclusively reveal” that the “maverick prince” had already seen front-line action.

The story was then picked up by a German newspaper and, yesterday, the US-based Drudge Report website, triggering world wide interest.

LONDON – Britain’s defense chief decided Friday to immediately pull Prince Harry out of Afghanistan after news of his deployment was leaked, citing concerns that media coverage could put him and his comrades at increased risk.

Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup, chief of the Defense Staff, said he decided to withdraw the prince after senior commanders assessed the risks, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.