Prince Harry's army role under consideration

Prince Harry's future role in the army is now under consideration following the decision not to send him to serve in Iraq.

There have been fears that the 22-year-old Prince's credibility in the forces would be damaged, as he would be just about the only active soldier who had not served in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

It has been decided last month that Prince Harry would travel to Iraq to serve as an armoured reconnaissance officer in the Blues and Royals regiment.

However, the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, said that the decision had been reversed because of a number of "specific threats" related to the Prince, which would pose "unacceptable risks" to both the Prince and his colleagues.

A statement released by Clarence House said that Prince Harry accepted the decision and remained committed to his army career. However, he is said to be disappointed with the decision.

Major Charles Hayman, editor of Armed Forces UK, said that he thought that the Prince would almost certainly leave the army.

Although he said that the Prince could be found a "non-job" in order to keep him "out of trouble", this would leave him without any credibility and distance him from his colleagues.

There has been some criticism of the way the Ministry of Defence has handled the affair, with some claims that the reversal of the decision has handed a propaganda victory to insurgents.

Some relatives of those killed in Iraq have also criticised the decision.

(KMcA/JM)