Actually, you are exactly right. Drudge only made his statements after the MoD released said information.
Likely they wanted to draw positive attention to their hero while at the same time pulling him back to safety after a short tour.
Drudge simply nibbled and they make a pre-made statement about “leaks” to hide their motives. And it also allows them to pull him back publicly. For them win-win, for us... well, casualties of war I guess.
The story had appeared on two other small outlets a few weeks ago apparently. Didn't get any legs until it appeared on Drudge. Was that due to the press respecting the embargo? If so, then I'm wondering who leaked to Drudge and why the timing? Seems to me the real story is who wanted Harry out, when and why.