Afghan service unlikely for Prince Harry

LONDON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince Harry likely will not be allowed to take part in a military deployment in Afghanistan for a second time, a source says.

An anonymous source said top British officials are opposing the royal family member's request to return to action in the country where he served a 10-week military tour earlier this year, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

"Harry is absolutely desperate to get back to Afghanistan because he is a soldier through and through and he believes there is a vital job to do there," the source said.

"But he is being let down gently because the risks would be even greater this time."

The prince served with his Blues and Royals regiment during his prior deployment in Afghanistan's Helmand province before being forced to return after his presence there was reported in the media, creating security concerns.

The source said unidentified officials remain concerned his presence in Afghanistan could endanger himself and his military unit, the Telegraph reported.