Prince Harry to join Household Cavalry

Prince Harry will join the Blues and Royals regiment within the Household Cavalry when he leaves Sandhurst Royal Military Academy.

Clarence House confirmed that the Prince would join the regiment as a Second Lieutenant when he completes his training in April.

The prince will then undertake specialist training with the aim of becoming a troop leader in the Royal Armoured Corps. The post would involve leading a team of a dozen soldiers carrying out reconnaissance work in a wide variety of operational settings.

A spokesperson for Clarence House said that the Prince had been attracted by the Household Cavalry's operational record in recent decades, most notably during the Falklands Conflict and the Gulf War, in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

"Like all cadets at Sandhurst, Harry has considered a number of regiments before applying to join the Household Cavalry. He based his decision on the variety of roles which the regiment undertakes, including reconnaissance support to airborne forces right through to ceremonial duties."

Although Harry would initially train for and concentrate on operational duties - meaning that he could potentially be posted to Iraq - he could also volunteer or be posted to the Household Cavalry's mounted regiment, which provides protection to the Queen.

However, as an officer, the Prince would not have to perform sentry duties in this capacity.

(KMcA/SP)