Castro Posted May 16, 2007 Threats end Harry's Iraq mission Story Highlights • Britain's Prince Harry will not be sent to Iraq, says the Ministry of Defence • Top UK general says "specific threats" on prince are behind decision • Risk to prince and those around him too great, says general • Harry, third in line to throne, has said he is serious about an army career LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince Harry will not serve in Iraq as a troop commander because of "a number of specific threats" against him, the UK's top general says. A spokesperson for the 22-year-old prince says he is "very disappointed" by the decision. Chief of the general staff Sir Richard Dannatt said Wednesday: "I have decided today that Prince Harry will not deploy as a troop commander with his squadron. "I have come to this final decision following a further and wide round of consultation, including a visit to Iraq by myself at the end of last week," Dannatt said "There have been a number of specific threats, some reported and some not reported. These threats exposed him and those around him to a degree of risk I considered unacceptable," he said. Wednesday's announcement reverses a statement made in February by the Ministry of Defence and the royal family, which said that Harry would be sent to Iraq with his regiment. Dannatt commended the prince on his determination. "Let me also make quite clear that as a professional soldier, Prince Harry will be extremely disappointed. "He has proved himself both at Sandhurst and in command of his troop during their training. I commend him for his determination and his undoubted talent -- and I do not say that lightly. His soldiers will miss his leadership in Iraq, although I know his commanding officer will provide a highly capable substitute troop leader." A statement issued by a spokesperson for the prince said: "Prince Harry is very disappointed that he will not be able to go to Iraq with his troop on this deployment, as he had hoped. He fully understands and accepts Gen. Dannatt's difficult decision, and remains committed to his army career. Prince Harry's thoughts are with his troop and the rest of the Battle Group in Iraq." Harry would have led a troop of 12 men in four Scimitar armored reconnaissance vehicles, each with a crew of three, in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. He is a 2006 graduate of Britain's prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and has been actively seeking the posting in Iraq. Harry's older brother William -- while also a military officer -- is not eligible for combat service because he is the second in line to the British crown. Harry has repeatedly said that he wants to be deployed with his men, but ministry officials have expressed concern that he could become a target for Iraqi insurgents, endangering himself and those serving under him. Royal commentator Robert Jobson told CNN that it would be a "disaster" for the British Army if Harry was targeted by militants. Jobson said he did not believe Harry would quit the army, despite being kept out of Iraq. Harry would have been the first member of the British royal family to serve in a war zone since his uncle, Prince Andrew, flew as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands conflict with Argentina in 1982, The Associated Press reported. CNN Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Castro Posted May 16, 2007 "Prince Harry is very disappointed that he will not be able to go to Iraq with his troop deployment as he had hoped. He fully understands and accepts General Dannatt's difficult decision and remains committed to his army career. Prince Harry's thoughts are with his troops and the rest of the battle group in Iraq. " LOL. I guess it's not dangerous enough for the other stiffs sent there every day. Channel 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xiinfaniin Posted May 16, 2007 I guess they couldn’t stomach the prospect of Iraqi insurgents capturing/killing/wounding a member of the royal family… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fabregas Posted May 16, 2007 Looks like it's back to playing fancy dress![/b] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Castro Posted May 17, 2007 Prince Harry decision causes fury May 18, 2007 12:00am Article from: Herald-Sun Send this article: Print Email PRINCE Harry's military career could be at an end after the British Army decided he would not be sent to serve in Iraq, sparking a public backlash. The decision to keep the prince, 22, home safe has angered the families of other soldiers who say their children deserve the same safeguards. Briton Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon died in a roadside bomb attack, said: "If it is too dangerous for Harry, it is too dangerous for the rest of the troops out there. If he can't go, why are our boys there?" British Army bosses ruled yesterday that Prince Harry, couldn't go to war because plots to kill or kidnap him posed an unacceptable risk to him and his fellow soldiers. The royal was said to be "very disappointed" at the shock decision to stop him flying out next week. Herald Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faarax-Brawn Posted May 17, 2007 Originally posted by xiinfaniin: I guess they couldn’t stomach the prospect of Iraqi insurgents capturing/killing/wounding a member of the royal family… I think in all fairness,this is a good military decision from the Brits. He risks putting 100s of soldiers in harms way. He is a high value(Symbolically) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Castro Posted May 17, 2007 ^^^ True, true. Just send more low value schmucks out there to compensate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
