The "Prince" Goes To War

The Ministry of Defense ended speculation that had been swirling for about a week by announcing Thursday the 22-year-old prince will be sent to Iraq with his Blues and Royals regiment in May or June. Harry, a second lieutenant, will assume a troop commander's role. The narrowing of the British presence to the two locations in southern Iraq will mean any insurgent groups looking to target Troop Commander Wales — as he is known to his colleagues — will not have to look far to find him. That has led to some concern that his presence could bring an extra risk to his fellow soldiers.

Harry has been serious about joining "his boys" in Iraq. After graduating from Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, he insisted on getting the opportunity to serve his country. "There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country," he said in an interview to mark his 21st birthday. "That may sound very patriotic, but it's true."

The ministry has previously said that Harry could be kept out of situations where his presence could jeopardize his comrades. Military experts were divided over whether Harry's presence would make the situation more dangerous for his comrades.

In joining the military, Harry followed a royal tradition. His father, Prince Charles, was a pilot with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and a ship commander, and Harry's grandfather, Prince Philip, had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during World War II.

Ya know, I just hate the thought of this young man or any young man heading over to Iraq. But I do have to give him HUGE KUDOS for wanting to go with his group of men and not bailing. I just can't even imagine the heyday the Press will have if he gets killed in action.