I think that he should deploy and fight with his unit. If the commanders didn't want him to go, then they should not have permitted him to join the unit - knowing it would deploy. It would be unfair to him, and just as unfair to his men, to remove him - definitely a morale buster!

I'm not sure there's an easy answer here, but it all is to Harry's credit. Well done!

let Wales go fight, but just don't have both brothers deployed in both zones at the same time.

basic risk mitigation.

Well, if I'm not mistaken, the other brother is not in any risk of that. So, Harry's danger is only that for his unit and self; the risk is to the propaganda value, in either direction, of his injury or demise.

On the other hand, as John pointed out, the Royals have gone into active combat AND put themselves at risk with their citizens for many decades. King George VI actually went out to North Africa and to the Beaches of Normandy shortly after invasion to visit the troops. Not to mention appearing in uniform about London during the Blitzkrieg.

That's without leading men. If I am not mistaken, one of his cousins in line for the throne served in Egypt in direct combat.

The risk to the throne is actually very limited since not only is there William and Harry, but the sons and daughters of the other princes and princesses.

Thus, the big risks are to the men on the ground and the propaganda value. But, if played right, even if Harry was injured or died in battle, he'd be just as valuable for propaganda to the west. And even more so as it would show that the Monarchs share the cost with their citizens, in good and bad times. It could immediately mitigate the continuing downslide of support for the war in England. Not completely, but they would get a boost out of it.

The final question is, what flag officer has the cajones to risk his future career in ordering the prince to the front?

Wouldn't he be Lt. Windsor?

Technically, it's "Mountbatten-Windsor". However, Prince Charles used "Wales" as his surname during his active service days and his sons are following suit.

From a DOD press release: "Prince Harry's full title will be "Cornet Prince Henry of Wales, The Blues and Royals" - although everyday usage will be "Mr Wales"."

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/PrinceHarryToJoinBluesAndRoyals.htm

Cheers

Prince Harry has had this attitude for a while now. He's a VERY cool young man. I'm glad to see so much of his Mom in him. The world lost a lot when Princess Diana died. Both boys are carrying out her legacy of humanitarian aid. It's so wonderful to see. Like you said John, Prince Harry will make a very fine officer.

Let him lead his men... I've no doubt that his unit will ensure his safety...

I suggest asking for volunteers to serve as his unit, thus making sure every person serving under his direct command is fully willing to take the "additional" risk caused by his lineage. Most likely, the regular troops already in the unit would request to continue their tasking and very few new folks would be needed in the unit. This approach would serve to satisfy his desire to serve in a combat zone as fitting his duty and to preserve the career of the chain of command he would be part of. Those who wish to lead must first learn to serve (a quote grabbed from somewhere in English literature, maybe Roman or Greek lit.)

It's a complex situation but really why train and prepare otherwise? If he's treated special then he really has to be treated special and not placed with a regular unit.

I think he should be allowed to just go and do his job. If the worst happens we all know it was always possible.

Actually, if George V hadn't gotten huffy over his cousin Wilhelm's troops hobnailing all over the Benelux, we'd be cheering Leftenant Harry Saxe-Coburg-Gotha for making his stand.

Dollars to donuts you're going to see the whole cav squadron go into spontaneous Bodyguard Mode when they hit Kandahar -- and woe betide *anybody* who even looks cross-eyed at the young Ell-Tee...

Bill
Not quite: Battenburg-Saxe-Colburg-Gotha.

Cheers

I don't know how this works, but couldn't Harry also decide to voluntarily remove himself from any claim to the throne? I believe he has already stated that he wants to be career military; this would simply confirm that decision. It would likely reduce his value as a target, and probably serve as a morale boost for his unit to boot.

I believe George VI was a midshipman at Jutland. Jr. turret officer, or something. Of course his genetic cull older brother was Heir. Lotta in-breeding in those old aristocratic families, that's why it was a good idea to bring in the Spencer girl, for her genotype, if not her (very) mental phenotype. Elizabeth II knows stockbreeding; her horses usually win.

I think Bil and Harry are each taller than their Dad.

JMH - Right you are (what *else*?). Plumb forgot about Mum's side.

He should serve in whatever role any other newly commissioned officer would serve. Otherwise, what's the point of his commission in the first place?

I wish OUR 'upper crust' had the same sense of honor - when did military service cease to be expected of America's (I don't want to use the work 'elite', but that's really the only one that works)?