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Prince Harry branded 'insensitive'

Jan 26, 2013, 20:17 GMT

Prince Harry in Afghanistan

Prince Harry has been branded 'insensitive' by the Stop the War Coalition (StWC).

The body criticised the prince - who is third in line to the British throne - for recent comments about his deployment to Afghanistan, where he admitted killing.

Lindsey German, convenor of the Stop the War Coalition, said: 'In recent months many civilians have been killed by air strikes. This arrogant and insensitive attitude to killing Afghans, whoever they are, is hardly likely to win hearts and minds - a supposed aim of the war.

'Prince Harry returns to a life of idleness and luxury, unlike most soldiers who face unemployment, austerity and social problems.'

Upon returning to the UK from his 20-week post as an Apache helicopter pilot, Harry said as part of his 20-week deployment he had to 'take a life to save a life. That's what we revolve around.'

The 28-year-old royal has also been criticised by a Taliban spokesperson after he compared his experience to a computer game.

The spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, said: 'I think he has a mental problem, that's why he is saying it is a game. These kind of people live like diplomats in Afghanistan, they can't risk themselves by standing against the mujahideen [self-proclaimed 'holy warriors'].'

Since returning home, Harry said he was looking forward to seeing his brother, Prince William and his brother's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge.

He told reporters: 'I'm longing to see my brother and sister-in-law, as with any of the soldiers who've just come off the plane after four-and-half months away.

'I really am longing to catch up with people behind closed doors - you guys aren't invited.'

Harry also completed a tour of duty in Afganistan in 2007 to 2008.