Prince Harry on army base life

After a mission over the Afghan desert Prince Harry and his fellow Apache pilots would unwind over a movie in their communal tent.

Instead of watching lighthearted films, the soldiers watched films like Platoon, Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket.

Included in the aircrews VHR (Very High Readiness) tent were films such as Casino Royal, Quantum of Solace, and the first three Bourne films starring Matt Damon.

Prince Harry is "absolutely dedicated to want to become the best Apache pilot" he can be, his former instructor Major Richard Youngs told ITV's Tonight Programme.

The former Apache Squadron Commander was interviewed as part of Tonight: What's Next For Prince Harry? which will air on ITV on Thursday at 7.30pm.

Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy has said he hopes Prince Harry's interviews about his latest tour in Afghanistan will draw attention to the tens of thousands of officers serving in the conflict.

He told ITV News: "While it (the interview) focuses the attention of the nation on one brave Prince, I hope it also enables us all to reflect and celebrate the work of tens of thousands other fellow countrymen and women, who today are in the dust and danger of Afghanistan, taking on the Taliban."

A Taliban spokesman has branded Prince Harry a "coward" after his comments on the conflict in Afghanistan were made public following his return to the UK.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Captain Wales credited his effectiveness as an Apache gunner to his skill at playing video games.

"It's a joy for me because I'm one of those people who loves playing PlayStation and Xbox, so with my thumbs I like to think that I'm probably quite useful," he said.

“This statement is not even worth condemning. It is worse than that,” Zabihullah Mujahid told the Daily Telegraph by telephone from an undisclosed location.

“To describe the war in Afghanistan as a game demeans anyone – especially a prince, who is supposed to be made of better things.”

Prince Harry has been accused of being "arrogant and insensitive" after he talked of killing Taliban insurgents during his latest tour of Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old said in a series of media interviews that he took fighters "out of the game" during his 20-week posting.

Lindsey German, convenor of the Stop The War Coalition, said his comments were "crass" and asked how the Prince knew those he killed were members of the Taliban.

"In recent months many civilians have been killed by air strikes. This arrogant and insensitive attitude to killing Afghans, whoever they are, is hardly likely to win hearts and minds - a supposed aim of the war.

"Prince Harry returns to a life of idleness and luxury, unlike most soldiers who face unemployment, austerity and social problems," she said.

Former Royal Marine Ben McBean, a double amputee who was hailed "a real hero" by Prince Harry after they returned from Afghanistan on the same flight in 2008, believes the Prince has silenced his doubters following a second stint in Afghanistan:

Read: Scathing Harry reveals ‘anger’ at press intrusion

Prince Harry will relax today after finishing his 20-week tour of Afghanistan.

Harry left the war-torn country last night and joined other troops for post-deployment "decompression" at an undisclosed location.

Soldiers have a 24-hour stopover on their way home, usually in Cyprus, where they can wind down, drink a few beers and go surfing after many months of service.

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.