Prince Harry keen to join Welsh Guards

Sep 30, 2005, 11:23 GMT

Britain's Prince Harry is planning to be a frontline soldier in the notoriously tough Welsh Guards.

The young royal is said to have decided to join the unit when he finishes his officer training at the world-renowned Sandhurst Military Academy.

It means the 21-year-old royal's first major Army posting would be leading troops on a peace-keeping mission in war-ravaged Bosnia.

The dangerous six-month mission could see the third in line to the throne facing bullets from rival ethnic groups.

A senior military source is quoted in Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "Harry sees a tough infantry unit as the best way to prove himself. It is about the most dangerous place you can be in the Army."

Harry - who visited the Welsh Guards' barracks in South Wales earlier this year - recently revealed he was keen to join an infantry unit.

He said: "I've got hooked on the infantry bug. I do enjoy running down a ditch full of mud, firing bullets."

The prince will formally make a decision in January next year. Military seniors will then interview him before making a decision.

However, Ministry of Defence chiefs will reportedly discuss whether it is sensible to have the prince in such a high risk position.

Harry's father, Prince Charles, is honorary chief of the regiment and was appointed an honorary colonel.

It is also rumoured that Harry's older brother, 23-year-old Prince William, will also opt for the Welsh Guards when he completes his training.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International