When Prince Harry turns 28 today Saturday, he will be unable to celebrate with a drink, as no alcohol is allowed for troops serving in Afghanistan.

The Apache helicopter pilot can, however, look forward to a stay at a seaside military resort in Cyprus once he completes his four-month tour of duty.

Soldiers returning from the warzone are sent to either Episkopi or Akrotiri for 24 to 36 hours of “decompression” – a vital pit stop en route to normal life back home.

“There is a chance for their first drink in months, and also a chance to share feelings with comrades,” says a member of the Armed Forces who has been there. “It can be quite a party atmosphere. Nobody will leak on Prince Harry there, especially after the support shown by fellow soldiers who stripped off on Facebook for him.”

Daily Telegraph