Prince Harry Won't Be Joining His Troop in Iraq

In a last minute decision, Britain will not risk losing their third-in-line for the throne. It was announced today by Chief of the General Staff Sir Richard Dannatt that Prince Harry will not be allowed to take up his post in Iraq. Despite the Prince's repeated promises to quit the army if he is not allowed to fight, England has decided against risking it, as there have apparently been multiple threats specifically directed at the Prince. It is feared that Harry will become a target for Iraqi insurgents, putting both himself and his troop in jeopardy.

Prince Harry has actively been pursuing a post in Iraq, and would have been the first member of the royal family to serve in a war zone since 1982. His uncle, Prince Andrew, flew as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands conflict with Argentina. Harry would have commanded a troop of 12 men in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Harry's older brother, Prince William, is also a military officer, but is not eligible to fight, because he is second-in-line for the throne, behind his father, Prince Charles.