Prince Harry Safe After Fatal Taliban Attack on Royal's Base in Afghanistan

Two U.S. Marines were killed in the assault; the Taliban earlier claimed that they had targeted the prince for assassination

By Natalie Finn Sep 15, 2012 2:25 AMTags
Prince HarryJohn Stillwell - Pool/Getty Images

OK, maybe Kate Middleton isn't having the toughest day among the royals.

Prince Harry is safe and sound in Afghanistan after an attack on an airstrip adjacent to Camp Bastion, the base where he is stationed while flying helicopter combat missions with the British Army.

Sadly, two U.S. Marines from neighboring Camp Leatherneck were reportedly killed in the attack, which started with Taliban fighters lobbing mortar shells and firing rockets at the British and American bases.

The Taliban actually claimed earlier this week that they had targeted the third-in-line heir to the British throne for assassination.

A U.S. military spokesman confirmed to the Daily Mail that the royal, who's got a birthday coming up Saturday, was not in harm's way when what were believed to be Taliban rebels broke through the perimeter of the base armed with grenades and assault rifles.

"Prince Harry was in no danger," the military rep said. "He wasn't close to the attack."

"We are aware of an incident that has taken place at Camp Bastion, which is currently being dealt with," a spokesman for Britain's Ministry of Defense told the Mail.

A big thank you to Harry and all of his fellow troops—from the U.K., U.S. and everywhere else—for their service!