British government dismisses Iraq plans for Prince Harry

Feb 1, 2006, 18:15 GMT

London - The British government Wednesday dismissed as 'complete speculation' media reports that Prince Harry would be sent to Iraq to serve as a troop commander next year.

Harry, a 21 year-old officer cadet, is due to complete his officer training at Sandhurst military academy in April.

Several newspaper reported Wednesday that he would join the Army's 1st Mechanised Brigade, which would be deployed to Basra in southern Iraq in May 2007.

He would probably go on 'hazardous missions' along the border with Iran, said the reports.

A statment released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said no Iraq deployments had been set beyond May 1, 2006.

'It is, therefore, complete speculation', said the statement.

Harry, 21, third in line to the throne, is due to join the Guards regiment of the Blues and Royals when he completes his officer training.

He has said repeatedly that he is 'determined' to serve his country and did not want to be 'kept out of the line of fire.'

According to the reports, instructors at Sandhurst have been impressed by Harry's performance.

'It would be a real shame if the Palace or Ministry of Defence did not allow him to go on operations because he is a cracking officer,' one senior officer was quoted as telling the Daily Telegraph.