Prince Harry May be Saved by Troop Cuts
Interviewed Sunday morning on the BBC, the Prime Minister did not deny that an announcement would be made soon of a massive cut in British forces in the south of Iraq.
The rumour is that the Defence Secretary will announce to Parliament, on February 26, a 50 percent reduction in force numbers, and that an armoured unit will not now be sent. It’s just conceivable that that will include the armoured reconnaissance units of the Blues and Royals, one of which Prince Harry commands.
So Harry fans may rejoice after all that their hero may just be saved the dangers of Iraq. There’s still the question of Afghanistan grumbling away in the background, though.
Update : Christopher Leake in the Mail on Sunday is stating that Prince Harry will go to Iraq in the spring : “Officials have confirmed that he will travel to southern Iraq with his regiment and see active duty when it is deployed, as expected, during the next changeover of forces. ”
Leake also reports : “A senior aide said: ‘Harry will be going to Iraq. However, no decision has yet been taken about when he will go and where he will serve.’ ”
But, if the changeover doesn’t take place, will that information apply? The present British Government is well known for its left hand remaining in total ignorance of what its right hand is up to, so it’s feasible we’re seeing a classic cock-up here. Only time will tell.
Update 2 : Harry “will deploy to Iraq as part of the 1st Mechanised Brigade, which is due to arrive in Basra in the spring for a six-month tour. ”
However, “A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘This is speculation and the final decisions on which units are going have still to be made.’ ”
In the light of persistent rumours that the Mechanised Brigade will not now be deployed, and Tony Blair’s refusal this morning to deny the rumours, what are we to make of it all? Your guess is as good as mine.
Could this be a face-saving operation for Prince Harry to keep him onside and in the Army? Your guess is as good as mine.
It really doesn’t matter where Harry is sent. The paper’s don’t need to publicize it.
By Trudie on February 18th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
It does matter where Prince Harry is deployed, because in a forward area such as Basra in Iraq, there is more chance for death or serious injury. But y0u are right that wherever Prince Harry is sent, the media has no business publishing that information. During World War II, the publishing of such information would have been treason. It should be again.
By Gigi on February 18th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Harry will go go and he will spend at least two months,and he will use his army leave in order to come back for the ill fated Diana concert.He will probably go with the first part of his regiment there.
By shake on February 20th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Where did you see that? Was that announced today?
By Gigi on February 20th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I was right about the concert being just a cover and didnt do any planning and they realy messed up things up.If Harry goes to Iraq,he will take special leave to come back for the concert,i hear comments for special treatment.What failures.Ill advised,and messed up scedules.
By shake on February 20th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
I read somewhere that there are worries that Gore’s plans for a concert in London for the environment may conflict with the Concert for Diana. There is a concern that both concerts will compete for the same audience and even perhaps the same venue.
By Gigi on February 20th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
You heard it here from me,on another Thread.Gore is anouncing more big names everyday.William and Harry have invited big brother contestants.What losers.
By shake on February 21st, 2007 at 7:34 am
If I get started here on my low opinion of Al Gore and his self-serving grandstanding, I will lose whatever charm I have left. So I won’t comment on Al Gore further, except to say that I hope the Concert for Diana is a success and is a fitting tribute to Princess Diana. If Al Gore wants a concert for the environment, let him stage it here in America instead of interfering with the Princes’ concert for their Mother.
By Gigi on February 21st, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Now lets see what happens with the concert.Ill advised,and anounced in a hash hash without planning only as a cover to the inquiry and Burells condemnation of them.Harry will be going to Iraq,lets see what happens with the concert and even more with the Memorial Service.Harrys regiment will be going to Iraq for 6 months.
By shake on February 22nd, 2007 at 4:46 am