Harry WILL go to Iraq, says Army chief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, brushed aside speculation that he will order the prince to stay behind when his Blues and Royals regiment deploys to Iraq in the coming days.

Scroll down for more...

Despite growing fears that the prince will be a target who will put his fellow soldiers in danger, Harry will be going to Iraq, the army has said

The decision was made despite growing fears that insurgents will make special efforts to kill Harry and the men with him.

Sir Richard ordered an urgent review of the 22-year-old prince's planned deployment last week following a sharp rise in violence against UK troops.

A particular concern was the killing of two soldiers on a desert patrol in a Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicle, the precise job Harry is due to undertake.

Insurgent leaders have threatened to target him as a high-profile trophy, prompting warnings that his presence will put his colleagues in greater danger.

Sir Richard made clear the final decision was his and he would not be swayed by calls from politicians for a rethink. But he said he would keep the

situation under review during the six months Harry is due to serve in Iraq.

Tellingly, he made no mention of whether Harry will be allowed to lead his troop of 11 soldiers on long-range patrols - the job he has trained for.

Sources have suggested he may be confined to "desk jobs" inside bases.

Twelve UK servicemen have been killed in Iraq in the past month. The latest, in Basra on Sunday, was named last night as Rifleman Paul Donnachie, 18, of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

The teenager came from Reading.