Active Duty for Prince Harry

[Katie]

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne, is to join troops serving in Iraq, defense officials confirmed Thursday.

Ending weeks of speculation on the young royal's future, the Ministry of Defense said Harry, 22, will be deployed with his Blues and Royals regiment in May or June this year.

The prince will become the first royal to serve in a war zone since his uncle, the Duke of York, piloted helicopters in the Falklands conflict 25 years ago.

Officials said Harry, who graduated as an officer last year, will serve as a troop commander in charge of several light tank reconnaissance vehicles.

British officials have indicated that Harry, 22, could be kept out of situations that could jeopardize his colleagues amid fears he would be a prize target -- or "bullet magnet" -- for insurgents.

But Harry, who graduated last year from Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, has insisted he does not want special treatment.

Clarence House, which speaks on behalf of the prince, and the Ministry of Defense said that the prince would carry out a "normal troop commander's role."

In a joint statement, they said: "We can confirm today that Prince Harry will deploy to Iraq later this year in command of a troop from 'A Squadron' of the Household Cavalry Regiment.

"Whilst in Iraq Cornet Wales (Harry's regimental title) will carry out a normal troop commander's role, involving leading a troop of 12 men in four Scimitar armored reconnaissance vehicles, each with a crew of three.

"The decision to deploy him has been a military one... The royal household has been consulted throughout."

The statement also warned of the hazards of press speculation on the exact location where he would serve, highlighting the security risks of the deployment.

"This is like President Bush sending a son to the frontline. The decision is both dangerous and courageous at the same time," said Evening Standard royal correspondent Robert Jobson.

"It is a success for Harry but he has become the number one target for insurgents."

Britain's Press Association quoted a regimental source saying Harry was "over the moon" at the news.

Harry has always said he wanted to put his training into practice.

"There is no way I am going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country," he said on his 21st birthday.

Defense Minister Des Browne outlined that two squadrons from the Household Cavalry Regiment, of which Harry is part, are to be deployed.

Thursday's announcement comes a day after British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the phased withdrawal of British forces from the country with the withdrawal of 1,600 troops within coming months.


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I found this interesting....I do not like the war, but support the troops (they're just doing what they are told to) My first thoughts on hearing this were "that's some good marketing"

[LogicDonny]

well I hope Prince Harry does good in Iraq. After all, he is a royal dude so he got to be careful.

[Mecha Cow]

Good for him, I respect him for this.

[Hero]

He most likely won't be put on the front line though. Fair play to our Prince Harry for sorting himself out.

===HERO

[ZariusTwo]

Yes, I respect the fact a potential heir is going to get himself killed for the real terrorist factions of the world.

[Mecha Cow]

Why the sarcasm? He has the courage and the discipline to fight for what he believes in, there's no dishonor in that.

[Ra]

MC is right. There is nothing wrong in fighting for your beliefs and values, and that takes true honor and courage to do, especailly when it means risking your life. It may seem dumb to you, Zarius. But then again you, like pretty much everyone else here, hasn't risked their life for their country.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Harry just earned some respect from me, and England earned more for their negative outlook on this personal grudge of a war.