Harry's war mission

Apr 25, 2006, 17:13 GMT

Britain's Prince Harry has won support in his bid to be allowed to serve in war zones.

The prince was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Household Cavalry after graduating from Sandhurst Military Academy this month.

Troops from Harry's regiment are due to head to Iraq and Afghanistan in the next few months.

Although the royal has completed his training, some fear his involvement in a battle zone could put him, or his unit, in danger.

But the 21-year-old is determined to see active service, and has threatened to quit if his royal status stops him joining his unit.

Britain's Defence Secretary John Reid has now said the royal should be allowed to serve on the front line of war zones.

He said Harry should be allowed to carry out normal duties 'as far as is possible'.

He is quoted on Britain's BBC website as saying: 'It would be my wish to do that as far as is possible, but obviously if there are aspects because of his prominence, that he has not sought, that would lead to a threat dimension that would be taken into account by commanding officers.

'That is for them to judge but my plea would be to let this young man... be treated as what he is and that's a potentially very good young officer.'

Harry has always indicated he would like to see active service during his time in the Army.

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

Harry's older brother William is expected to join the notoriously tough Welsh Guards when he completes his training at Sandhurst.

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