A “world exclusive” that was actually leaked two months ago and then dutifully suppressed by the British media. How badly have they wanted to write about this? Count the number of articles on the Telegraph website that have appeared in just the past few hours. Drudge is patting himself on the back but I’m curious what our readers think about the ethics. The story itself is genuinely awesome — he’s seen action, called in airstrikes, done patrols (“I’m still a little bit conscious (not to) show my face too much, in and around the area”), and got the word about his deployment from grandma herself — but the brass is none too happy that his cover’s been blown. British chief of staff Gen. Dannatt:

“Now that the story is in the public domain, the Chief of Defense Staff and I will take advice from the operational commanders about whether his deployment can continue,” the statement added. “I now appeal to the media to restrain from attempting to report Prince Harry’s every move and return to our understanding.”…

“I am very disappointed that foreign Web sites have decided to run this story without consulting us.

“This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the U.K. print and broadcast media, along with a small number of overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations.

“Exemplary” and a “credit to the nation,” Dannatt calls him — and he’s now a major security risk. Exit question: Would you have run the scoop? Information wants to be free, but what information wants and what information gets are two different things (usually) when it comes to troop movements. Supplemental exit question: Did Drudge really break the embargo or did someone politely invite him to do so? There’s been a lot of pressure on the Europeans lately to ramp up their NATO commitment in Afghanistan; showing off a royal (and a son of Diana, no less) walking the beat and kicking jihadi ass is a nifty way to boost morale and emphasize that commitment.

Update: Bad Drudge, says the boss.

Update: Sweet. Click the image to watch.