Harry unwinds after Afghan mission

Prince Harry is relaxing after finishing his 20-week tour of Afghanistan.

Harry left the war-torn country on board a regular personnel aircraft on Monday night, and joined other UK-bound troops for post-deployment "decompression" at an undisclosed location.

Soldiers have a 24-hour stopover on their way home - usually in Cyprus - to wind down and sink their first beer after many months on active service.

They are reportedly given four cans of lager and can go swimming, surfing and sunbathing on the beach.

The compulsory stop also gives the servicemen and women time to reflect on their experiences and prepare themselves for returning to life in the UK.

Harry, who will return later this week, confirmed he killed Taliban insurgents during his tour.

As a gunner in Apache attack helicopters, he flew on scores of missions with his fingers on the triggers of deadly rockets, missiles and a 30mm cannon.

And now that the 28-year-old is bound for the UK after his second deployment to Afghanistan, it can be reported he took enemy fighters "out of the game" during his 20-week posting.

"Yeah, so lots of people have," he said matter-of-factly, after being asked if he had killed from the cockpit.

"The squadron's been out here. Everyone's fired a certain amount."