UK NEWS
THE PARTY PRINCE PREPARES FOR WAR
By Padraic Flanagan
PARTY-loving Prince Harry was on a war footing last night, making his final preparations to go to Iraq within days.
As controversy raged over the decision to send the 22-year-old royal to the danger zone, Harry was getting ready for the six-month deployment by exercising with his troops.
His imminent departure was underlined at the weekend by photographs of the Prince performing press-ups with Army comrades hours before he held a farewell party for pals.
Despite his reputation as the Prince who loves to party, a subdued and sober Harry left the bash as it was in full swing.
The morning after, 21-year-old Chelsy Davy cut a lonely and reflective figure as she strolled in the London sunshine on her way to the dry cleaners.
The pretty Zimbabwean, who sported a glowing tan from the couple’s recent three-week holiday in Barbados, was no doubt wondering what the future holds for Harry.
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Despite his reputation as the Prince who loves to party, a subdued and sober Harry left the bash as it was in full swing
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It is certainly a debate exercising the minds of politicians and defence chiefs as the kidnappers and killers of southern Iraq get ready for the Prince’s arrival, expected in the next 10 days.
When Cornet Wales of the Household Cavalry arrives in Iraq with his A Squadron of the Blues and Royals Regiment, the insurgents are certain to target him. A leading member of Basra council, Adel Taleb Alfurayji, said: “His presence will give reason for these forces to multiply their attacks against the British in the hope of kidnapping him.
“Even if they do not succeed, they certainly intend to increase attacks against the British.”
Militia leaders are reported to have helped the insurgency’s squads of spotters by downloading photographs of Harry, taken while he and Chelsy have been out celebrating his final nights of freedom before his posting overseas.
Defence chiefs dismiss the kidnap claims as “cheap propaganda”. But insurgents would relish the public relations coup as they would be seen in the Islamic world as chasing the British out of Iraq.
The Prince’s unit, 1 Mechanised Brigade, was yesterday preparing for deployment in Iraq as military sources confirmed plans for Harry to lead a troop of Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicles.
The Queen is said to be supportive of Harry’s wish to see front line service but others fear his presence could expose the troops under his command to greater risk.
Defence analyst Charles Heyman, editor of Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, said: “He should go. It is a no-win situation either way with the insurgents. Another reason is the morale of soldiers on the ground. They expect him to go and ask if his life is more valuable than theirs.
“Harry has trained as a soldier – that is his career path and if you don’t send him, he will have no credibility whatever. It will destroy him.”
But royal biographer Robert Lacey took a different view. He said: “He is a celebrity target. His capture or death would be an enormous victory for the enemy and a setback for Britain. In the age of celebrity culture, one also has celebrity warfare.”
Harry was photographed early on Saturday leaving the London nightclub where he had enjoyed an evening out with Chelsy, his brother Prince William and their friends.
In what was described as a ‘Harry Goes To Iraq’ party, the group had the run of Mahiki, the club which Prince William visited after his split with Kate Middleton.
Harry is reported to have given a moving farewell speech in which he declared: “I’m a nervous wreck. I’ve waited a long time and just want to get out there and serve my country.
“I’m prepared to do anything they throw at me, whether it’s to serve on the front line or carry out a desk job in Basra.”
Harry and Chelsy left at 1.30am, some two hours before William emerged, bleary-eyed and £5,000 poorer after settling a mammoth drinks bill which had been run up by him and his friends.
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TREAT ALL THE SAME
01.05.07, 1:50am
I wonder if all service personel get the same treatment as Prince Harry, ok he is going to go do what he wants to do and is paid to do so why all the publicity?
• Posted by: CAN • Report Comment
PRINCE HARRY - IRAQ
30.04.07, 10:45pm
I have to admire Prince Harry for agreeing to honour his commitment and go to Iraq, I do choose my words here as HE has chosen to , not the Army as our Queen will state whether or not he will go, so let's be sure of that.
However, his presence, however well meaning, will put even more pressure on the lads who do this day in day out, they will not only have to look after each other but they will be expected and will honour their country by protecting him, you Prince Harry, yes you!
Stay at home young man, your commitment is honourable but your presence will put ALL who serve this country in incredible danger, more than they are in already with our pathetic government who sent them there, more than the halfwit from America who sent them there,.
They will put their lives on the line to save you if needs be, please respect them and their families and loved ones, stay at home, you are neither use nor ornament over there, no-one will let you near any combat so just what is the point???
I mean this with respect Prince Harry.
• Posted by: MollieUK • Report Comment
THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY.....
30.04.07, 1:26pm
The Prince's position reflects that of hundreds of men and women approaching active service.. Each handling the daunting situation in their own way. Because he is a prince we have to watch every single move he makes. It must be heartbreaking enough for his father and grandparents without picking up the papers each morning and seeing yet another binge picture.
• Posted by: Elizabeth • Report Comment
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