William will join Harry

Sep 22, 2006, 18:02 GMT

Britain's Prince William will join brother Prince Harry's army regiment.

Clarence House announced yesterday (21.09.06) that the 24-year-old prince will join The Blues and Royals, one of two regiments that form the Household Cavalry.

A spokesperson said the decision on whether or not to deploy William to war zones would be taken on a "case by case basis".

Like Harry, William has expressed a desire to be treated like other junior officers, however, it is believed his position as future king could endanger him and his men and he is unlikely to see frontline action.

He recently insisted: "I don't want to be wrapped up in cotton wool. I want to go where my men go."

The second-in-line to the throne had considered a number of regiments before deciding on the Household Cavalry.

The prince is said to have been impressed by the regiment's outstanding record in recent decades, which has seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was previously thought that William would join the Welsh Guards, of which his father, Prince Charles, is colonel-in-chief.

William will reportedly leave the army after a year to begin royal duties. He had been expected to serve three years.

Harry, however, plans to make the army his full-time career.

A Clarence House spokesperson explained: "It's different for Harry. William ultimately has a different job."

(C) BANG Media International