Harry can't go to war

2006-10-08 14:26

London - Britain's Prince Harry, 22, is not allowed go to war.

After being refused service in Iraq, the number three in line to the British throne is also being denied permission to serve in Afghanistan, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported

The decision by senior commanders was taken in the face of growing Taliban attacks on British troops in Afghanistan, the paper said quoting "high-ranking sources" in Harry's regiment, the Household Cavalry.

"With the deaths of 41 British service personnel in Afghanistan in five months, there were real fears that the young Royal could become another casualty," the paper said.

There were also concerns that Prince Harry could be targeted directly by the Taliban as an internationally recognisable figure.

"Even if Harry sat in the headquarters in Kandahar he would face regular rocket attacks," a senior cavalry officer said.

The ban on frontline service for Harry also applies to his brother Prince William, 24, who is due to join the same regiment if he qualifies as an officer in December.

It had been reported for a while that Harry would be allowed to serve in Afghanistan accompanied by two military bodyguards.

Friends of the prince told the Mail on Sunday he was unhappy with the decision to treat him differently from other soldiers.

In April, the paper said Harry had threatened to quit the army unless allowed to see live combat: "If I am not allowed to join my unit in a war zone, I will hand in my uniform."

In August, it became known that part of Harry's regiment would possibly be sent to Iraq next year without him.

- SAPA