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Iraq security nightmare for 'bullet magnet' Harry
Last updated at 12:07pm on 19.02.07
Prince Harry appears to have won the battle to be allowed to join his men on operations in a war zone
Army commanders are grappling with an unprecedented security headache as Prince Harry prepares to deploy to Iraq.
The third in line to the throne appears to have won the battle to join his men on operations in a war zone after months of high-level discussions during which he threatened to quit if he was left behind for his own safety.
Read more... • Blair hints at troops withdrawals
Insiders say, however, that officials are still grappling with practical issues - including whether the Metropolitan Police personal protection officers who guard Harry around the clock in the UK should continue doing so in Iraq.
Time to resolve such issues is short. The prince's unit, 'A' Squadron of the Blues and Royals regiment, was warned unofficially last week to expect a six-month tour of duty in southern Iraq starting in April.
It will be the first time a member of the Royal Family has served on military operations since Prince Andrew flew helicopters in the Falklands War 25 years ago - and will force his senior commanders to confront some difficult choices over security.
Southern Iraq remains extremely dangerous for UK forces, with six soldiers killed since Christmas, four of them by roadside bombs.
Harming or capturing the third in line to the throne would be a massive coup for insurgents or terrorists and in the grim humour of the Army the 22-year-old prince is already being referred to as a 'bullet magnet'.
Senior officers will have to weigh up the options, including keeping Harry out of harm's way with a relatively safe job inside a headquarters.
Alternatively, he could be allowed to lead a 12-strong armoured reconnaissance patrol - the role for which he has spent months training - while being restricted to remote desert areas where he would be difficult to track down or recognise.
Hundreds of British soldiers are operating in outlying areas of the volatile Maysan Province, trying to stop the flow of weapons and drugs across the nearby Iranian border.
Although the area is dangerous, it is deemed safer than towns and cities, and Harry could remain relatively anonymous.
On the issue of bodyguards, one royal source said it was a 'distinct possibility' that police representatives would accompany him to 'oversee' his security, but acknowledged practical problems.
The officers are not trained to operate in a war zone, there would be no space for them in the Scimitar armoured vehicles used by Harry's unit, and their expertise would offer little protection against roadside bombs.
An alternative is to assign a team of Royal Military Police bodyguards, who specialise in guarding senior commanders and VIPs on operations.
One Army source said: 'Harry's always wanted to be treated as an ordinary soldier and I think people respect him for that. He's not an ordinary soldier, of course, but it looks like he's got his way over Iraq.
'Frankly I don't envy his commanders. Losing any soldier under your command is awful. Lose the third in line to the throne and you'd unfortunately go down in history as well.'
Defence Secretary Des Browne will make an official announcement on the April rotation of units in the next two weeks.
Reader views (14)
His dad was a soldier so it's in the genes I suppose.
- Harry, UK
Tradition insists these boys join a regiment due to the position they were born to then the Govt prevent the poor sod from fulfilling the role that has ostensibly been chosen for him. If they don't let him go without mollycoddling him he should be allowed to resign. Send Euan in his place, he looks to be turning out a right chip off the old block so tell him it's a paid trip somewhere hot - he'll be off before you can say 'freebie' just like his parents.
- Squiz, Islington
Let him go. His exuberant personality and love of a good party will be a tonic for the troops.
- Keith, Farringdon
Won't this just put more people in harms way? It's a bit like running through a field of bulls wearing a red tracksuit, red wig and red nose on Red Nose Day? Surely a wise royal would not endanger others this way and just not go. I for one would understand his reasons which I would consider very noble and rather mature.
- Dan, Manchester
So when's the Bush family going to send some of its own? Don't hold your breath.
- Ed, Allentown, PA USA
Euan Blair should be sent to Iraq, after all it was his father's doing! Other sons have given their lives due to Blairs lies, now it turn for him to make amends by forcing Euan to join the army and servce his country!
- Raminder Bhalla, Northolt
This must be a lot of pressure on Harry; he appears to be trying to work past some of the limitations imposed by being 'a royal.' Blessings to Harry.
- D. Astin, Santa Monica, USA
If Prince Harry is hellbent on going with his regiment, I say more power to him. He is truly a son to be proud of.
- Rosanne, Pittsburgh, PA USA
This demonstrates to Blair & his republican friends, that those born to real nobility insist on performing their duties, thick or thin. I doubt whether 'Tony' would allow 'Euan' to serve in the Gulf as the PM doesn't have it in his veins!
- Rhodri Philipps, london
Thank you Prince Harry, but we love you please stay at home .
- Sandra Tyrer, Kyoto Japan
May God bless all the soldiers and their families! Especially, Prince Harry
- Sister, vancouver,canada
Way to go Prince. Lead from the front.
- Joe Kim, Seoul, Korea
What more can you ask for.......this guy may be a part of the monarchy and could easily be chillin london every night..........but hes giving it 100%.........lets hope they dont shut him away during his stay of duty pushin papers........get him out there facing the enemy with the rest of our guys,sort it out...........
- Paul Hemming, sheffield
Bet he will never fire a bullet. As most royals are just pampered pets.
- John, Essex UK
