Royal Watch News

Prince Harry to spend Christmas in Afghanistan

Oct 22, 2012, 11:02 GMT

Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry is to spend his Christmas in Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old royal - who is working as an Apache helicopter pilot in the war-torn country - will be in the Central Asian country until early 2013, making it the second time he has missed out on festivities with his family in five years.

In 2007, he stayed in the country while his family including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William enjoyed their traditional family get together in the UK.

The prince initially landed in the country in early September and is based in the huge Camp Bastian in Helmand province.

Despite his international fame, Royal Navy Captain Jock Gordon hoped he would be 'left' to get on with his duties without any interference.

He said: 'He will be in a difficult and demanding job. And I ask that he be left to get on with his duties and allowed to focus on delivering support to the coalition troops on the ground.'

Harry went alongside the 100-strong 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps.

On his last visit he was forced to return home early after media reports about his whereabouts.