Prince Charles relieved by son's return

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LONDON, March 1 (UPI) -- Prince Charles of Britain said Saturday he is both relieved and frustrated by his son's early return from military service in Afghanistan.

The Prince of Wales and his older son, Prince William, were at the airport to meet Prince Harry, The Telegraph reported.

"As you can imagine it's obviously a great relief as far as I'm concerned to see him home in one piece," Prince Charles said.

But Charles, describing himself as "enormously proud" of his son, said he knew Harry hoped to remain in Afghanistan and return to Britain with his regiment in a few weeks. His deployment was ended when it became public knowledge.

In one respect, Harry's return makes life easier for the royals, the newspaper said. Charles said he no longer has to figure out how to respond to expressions of sympathy about Harry being unable to see active service.

Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, said Friday during a public appearance that Harry "had done a good job in a difficult climate." As Princess Elizabeth, the queen served in a woman's auxiliary service in the last months of World War II.