Twitter abuzz with Harry messages

Within minutes of it being announced that Prince Harry was heading home from his tour of Afghanistan, social media sites were flooded with messages about him.

The phrase "Prince Harry" started trending on Twitter shortly after 7.30pm as people from around the world shared the news.

Many left comments about the fact Harry said he had shot at Taliban insurgents - some expressing surprise, with others claiming it was simply part of his job.

There was praise from @SPWhittaker73, who wrote: "Go Prince Harry! Knows how to party hard in Vegas...and what to do when faced against the Taliban. Harry 1 - Taliban 0 #shoots&scores."

That sentiment was echoed by @JLock4820, who wrote: "So I guess Prince harry is the real life 007."

There were also dozens of Tweets from female fans of the prince, saying how excited they were that he would soon be back in the UK - and offering to be his girlfriend.

An American fan called @royallykate wrote: "Sending big love here from America to Prince Harry! Words can't explain how much I love and appreciate you. You're doing a fine job."

Twitter user @jordannewell compared Harry to Prince Philip. He wrote: "Prince Harry really does hate the media doesn't he? Brilliantly frank and blunt, just like his grandfather."

One tweet from spoof account @Queen_UK had to be taken with a pinch of salt, however.

It read: "Text from Prince Harry: 'On the way home from Afghanistan. Be a while until they're shot at by a naked prince in a helicopter again!'"