( AFP ) - Australian women's magazine New Idea on Monday apologised for breaking a global media blackout on Britain's Prince Harry serving with the military in Afghanistan.
The story resulted in the third-in-line to the British throne being withdrawn from the frontline fight against Taliban guerrillas because of increased danger to himself and his comrades.
Little notice was taken of the January 7 report in Australia, but the US-based Drudge Report website picked up the story late last month and broadcast it around the world.
"We did not knowingly breach any embargo and were not party to any agreement for a media blackout on the story," New Idea said in its latest issue published Monday.
"However, and more importantly, we do acknowledge that our actions in publishing the story can be reasonably viewed as insensitive and irresponsible.
"We regret this serious lapse of judgment. We sincerely apologise to all our readers, to the servicemen whose lives are at constant risk while serving at home and abroad and to their families and loved ones."
Harry was the first British royal to see frontline action since his uncle, Prince Andrew, flew as a naval helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina.
He had been due to go to Iraq last year, but military chiefs performed a U-turn amid concern about his security and that of his fellow soldiers.