The Hindu : International : Prince Harry's Iraq role under review?

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Friday, Apr 27, 2007
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International

Prince Harry's Iraq role under review?

Hasan Suroor

— PHOTO: AFP

Prince Harry wears the beret of the Blues and Royals in this 2006 file photo.

LONDON: A controversy has erupted over plans to send Prince Harry (22) to Iraq amid reports that the Ministry of Defence is "reviewing'' the decision in view of the deteriorating security situation there and the reported threats by militants to target him.

In February, the army had announced that the Prince would be deployed on a six-month tour of duty in Iraq and that he would take on a "normal troop commander's role'' rather than a softer assignment such as a desk job.

But since then, violence has risen with British troops coming under growing attacks. This month alone, 11 soldiers have died and, according to the BBC, last week two soldiers died "doing the same job Prince Harry would be expected to do during his six-month tour''.

Fears for the Prince's safety have grown after militant groups threatened to kidnap him.

"We are awaiting the arrival of the young, handsome, spoilt prince with bated breath,'' Abu Zaid, a commander of the Mehdi army, has been reported as saying.

The MoD sought to play down the controversy saying the Prince's deployment had always been "under constant consideration''.

"It is still our intent that Prince Harry will deploy as a troop leader," a spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was a matter for the armed forces to decide. Clarence House, office of Prince Charles, dismissed reports that the Prince had threatened to quit the army if he was not sent to Iraq.

The Prince — the third in line to the throne — has always insisted that he wants to serve as an active army officer and does not want to be treated differently because of his status. However, Sky News reported that if there was a "sufficient and immediate threat'' to Prince Harry and his men it could influence the timing of his deployment. It was also likely that he would be sent on "relatively low-risk missions.''

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