Prince Harry will not deploy to Iraq due to ‘threats’
General Sir Richard Dannatt said he had taken the decision in the light of a number of “specific threats” to the prince.
They would expose him and the troops with him to “a degree of risk that I now deem unacceptable,” Sir Richard said in a statement.
He acknowledged that the prince would be “extremely disappointed” by the decision having shown “undoubted talent” in command of his squadron with the Household Cavalry.
The prince has always insisted he wanted to serve alongside his men wherever they were sent. Last night’s announcement represents a U-turn by defence chiefs who said last month that the third-in-line to the throne would be joining troops in the Gulf.
Harry, who is 22, was expected to be deployed with his Blues and Royals regiment in the coming weeks.
Sir Richard said he had reached the decision following consultations and a visit to Iraq.
The prince had always maintained that he aimed to see action on the frontline and when he turned 21 he made his intentions clear.
“The last thing I said was there’s no way I’m going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting,” he said.
