Isn't this unnecessary risk for Prince Harry himself and his squadron?

padma, london, uk

Is Harry’s deployment an attempt to bolster support for the war? Does it help to make people feel more patriotic?

R Ponting, Perth, Australia

So 1600 UK Troops will be withdrawn and substituted by Prince Harry and his squadron eh? Well, what with all of the body guards who will be assigned to protect him that should just about mean that privately a zero withdrawal is on the cards! Seriously though I don't see the point in him going. He will be the ultimate prize to be captured alive for the enemy and will put the UK in a seriously vulnerable position should that happen. When uncle Andrew went to the Falklands it was a completely different type of war. This time we are up against madmen with a cause.

jon Bate, derby,

There seem to be a lot of Americans on this site chipping in with their 2 cents worth. Well here's my view. Neither Harry, nor any other British man, should be in Iraq right now supporting the American Military machine. This war has been a farce from start to finish and between losing troops to iraqis and losing troops to the 'Gung-ho' incompetent Americans soldiers the UK has highlighted itself as a target for terrorism. You can't fight a war against terrorism as it is a word. If the Americans kill all current terrorists will the war be over? No, as anyone can be a 'terrorist'.

To the thread though, i wish Harry all the best, but i personally think sending out someone of his stature is a mistake. He is too obvious a target and if captured it could lead to disaster. His biggest threat though will be from 'friendly fire'.

Patrick, Oxford, UK

I'm writing as a French national shocked by the xenophobes' comments above. Why choose France as a scapegoat? Are Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany etc. "fighting for freedom"? Just because Jacques Chirac is a conscious objector of this war, as are many other Europeans (including British) does not give you the right to go on a French-bashing rant. And may I remind Mr Hunt from Norfolk, USA that America "ignored evil" in WW2 until Pearl Harbor when they had no choice but to join the war? The French may have surrendered, but had they had more help from the beginning, they may have been able to put up more of a fight. I don't normally respond to article commentary but I could not let such ignorance go without response.

Elise, Liverpool, UK

Because it's all the rage these days to offer unsolicited advice; here is some from across the pond. Leave your prince alone to complete his army assignment whatever it may be. With a little bit of good fortune you could end up with that rarest of all commodities; a statesman with the first hand experience to really know what he is doing. It may not be the most pleasant or entertaining experience but the world isn't getting any nicer and we all need some grownups to deal with it. Do us all a favor and let your prince try to become one.

Mike Leahan, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Thanks France, for all your help. You've been ready to surrender since 1914.

David A. , Chicago, IIlinois, U.S.A.

To the esteemed American's who have commented a few little asides - Prince Harry is 3rd in line for the throne and not a furture king unless Will's dies without children, however as a senior British Royal he can not stand for public office, as to the protection officer at appropriate times I don't think that means on the front lines nor nescessarily to protect him from Iraqis, he has had protection officers in the UK from the day of his birth, and for good reason....

... However God Speed Prince Harry, good fortune to you and your men, it speaks a great deal of your courage and strength of character that you did not play on your position to avoid serving in Iraq.

Good luck to all the young men and women from every country serving over there, may you all come home safely and soon.

D McLeod, Auckland, New Zealand

Great Britain has been America's greatest ally for many years.Having served with the American Army in Viet Nam myself as an Infantry Sergeant,I am familiar with the hazards of war. My best wishes to the Prince,and America is proud of him and all men who answer their country's call in the name of freedom. God speed-God Bless. I salute you,and hope you a safe tour of duty

Joe Friedhof, Cincinnati,Ohio, U.S.A.

If the crap hits the fan I hope he is a good leader! His squad will depend on him to the get them out of the crapper...

Good luck to the prince. I'm glad he is stepping up and I am proud of him. Most of our leaders over here wouldn't dare send their kids to war.

Mike, Royal Oak, Michigan

I feel that we all should be proud and concerned when it comes to Harry's deployment with his unit. There are number of factors to be taken into account:
His duty to those he has trained with and now leads
The potential of a "higher value target" being presented to the enemy
The example he and his family set around the world
Each of these issues have their pros and cons. We must repsect Harry's decision, HM Forces Command's resolve and we must remember that whilst Harry is a member of our Royal Family, he is still just one of many brave and duty bound soldiers from many conutries.

Harry, good luck, serve well and bring yourself and your guys home safely.

I am certainly a little prouder to British today in light of your actions sir!

Al, New York ,

Give me a break. This is nothing more than an attempt by the royal family to raise Harry's status as a man in the eyes of the world. If he truly wanted to be treated like any other soldier, they would not have made an announcement to the world media. Al Jazeera probably broke the story.

Did they actually say that he would have a personal protection assistant with him in Iraq? How about a food taster and concubine?

Zeus, Statesboro, GA

Where is Euan?

San-Ying, Montreal, Quebec Canada

Good luck and Goddess Bless to Prince Harry. My prayers are with him, and his family, as they are with my friends and their comrades in arms who are serving in Iraq and elsewhere. Would that Mr. Bush would encourage his daughters to go and do likewise - would that those who are profiting by this obscene adventure would be willing to pay for their fortunes the way those of us without their millions have had to, by service and in blood.

Erika J., Madison, USA/ WI

Bravo to Harry and all the men and women of the coalition serving in Iraq and Afganistan. They stand in sharp contrast to our "allies" who think you can defeat evil by ignoring it as they did in WW1 and WW2 only to have us pay a steeper price in blood and treasure in the end. Would that our respective politicians showed the same backbone as these young men and women. God bless!

N. Hunt, Norfolk, USA

Yea, sure. You'll see him in about 10 years vying for public office so he can war monger with credibility.

Rob, Poughkeepsie, NY

To protect Harry's little tank from his Amerian allies, it might be an idea to paint it Blue(bright blue as in blues and royals) Then at least he will be identifiable by the real enemy.

Colin Macpherson, Gramat, France

The future king of England has my respect. What he will learn in Iraq will make him a better leader and defender of Britain. Lord knows you're going to need him.

Don G, Pembroke Pines, Florida

Hurra! Hurra! Hurra! G-ds speed Prince Harry! You and your Soldiers come home soon ..and safe!

Geoffrey, Frankfurt, Germany

Fantastic! Give him a gun and a walking tour of Baghdad, and while were at it can't we give his 'bro' William a gun and ticket too ... do your bit and all that.
Better still, don't they have some spare palaces over there? What about a nice Royal holiday home in the sun, going cheap, only one previous owner. We could pack them all off for a few weeks Annual Cultural Exchange Programme to 'cement mutual understanding and intercultural relations' between our two great nations. And to assuage some potential jitters, lets chuck in Special Branches full compliment of 'specialist protection officers' to keep them company on their travels - a little jolly to reward all their hard work over the years!

Kris, Huddersfield, Yorks

Hats off to Fran in Tampa. So, to preclude the Prince quitting the service and going home, you'd rather place him, his soldiers, and whatever bodyguards assigned to him, at considerable risk? What a glorious target for any insurgent. As my old friend Bubba would say, "that dog don't hunt!" What happened to good 'ol common sense? So the kid gets his feelings hurt. At least he'll live to whine about it. Small wonder we're in such a mess. Howard Dean put it best. "AAAHHHRRRRGGGHHHHH!!

Adam, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Quite interesting that someone drew an analogy with the Nazi regime. Very appropriate as we have taken on the Nazi ideology in believing that you can liberate countries by invading them and painting civilian defenders as "insurgents".

WW2 analogists: aren't the "terrorists", "insurgents" and "radical islamists" in fact heroic freedom fighters, trying to defend their small and bloodied nation from a highly-aggressive, predatory and wholly alien politco-military consortium ideology that seeks to impose its form of government on them?

We leave soon and unreservedly apologise for our unjustifiable ways and pay for the damage we have caused.

"I have seen the enemy and they is us"

Mark, Devon,

It is right that Harry go to war. He is a Prince and leading men into battle, defending his country is what Princes are for.
He has a responsability to his country and his troops that goes far beyond his 'celebrity' and if he does become a 'desired target' then i am sure he will aquit himself well, as will the soldiers around him.

J, croydon,

TMI = too much information about Lt. Wales and his unit. His CO and XO have got to be beside themselves. By the way, apologies to all for Defense Secty Rumsfeld, and the way he brow-beat Gen. Franks into a bad strategy. Please give Gen. Petreaus a few months. He may be his generation's Pershing or Marshall, fortunately not a Patton or MacArthur.

Hale, Archer Hill, FL, USA

Britain began Greatness, as Robert Grossteste, founder, first chancelor of Oxford University and Bishop of Winchestor,began translating Aristotle into Latin. Averrorese, Arabic name was Mohammed.... Ibn Rushd, inspired Grossteste to translate Aristotle's Ethics into Latin. Grossteste's student, Roger Bacon, invented Gunpowder, ending Armored Feudal Thugs rule. Aristotle's translation, completed by William Morebeck, was used by Aquinas to write the Church's official philosophy. The Roman Catholic Church burnt the Aristotle Greek language originals, just as its book burning caused the Dark Ages. little u.k. has been unfaithful to
Aristotle; little u.k. spits on its former Greatness. German George III, having few English words, suppressed Oxford Aristotelianism; Britain's momentum played out. Not Armed Feudal Thugs sent, but Aristotle Scholars attracted.

James Thompson, Saint Petersburg, Pinellas Cnty, Florida, USA

Note to Adam of San Diego:

Maysan Province and the border region there with Iran are heavily Shiite. Al-Qaida is Sunni: Shiite militias will kill any Al-Qaida members they get their hands on. If anything, Prince Henry is safer - to the extent that anyone is safe in Western uniform there - in Maysan than he would be anywhere else in Iraq. After all, the British are perceived as getting out on some sort of timetable, and there is plenty of incentive on the part of the British and the local militias not to put British personnel in any additional danger. If the Prince wants to serve his Queen and Country, by all means let him. It is a brave and admirable thing he wants to do.

Plato Norwood, Nevada, Missouri, United States

If any nation throughtout history has exemplified the commitment to Duty, it is Great Britain. Prince Harry, by honoring his military obligation to serve, clearly demonstrates before the world, that regardless of rank or privelage, his country comes first.

Many of us in America still remember that Prince Albert, served with distinction and risked his life during the Falklands War.

Your long-held, and noble tradition is admired and respected throughtout the world. God Bless him!

Keith Leonard, Roanoke, USA, Virginia

Recall that Al Gore's father had opposed the war in Vietnam. When his election was approaching, he wanted to shore up his position. He persuaded his son to serve in the military in a war the father, and perhaps the son, opposed. When his son, sometimes called "The Prince," went to Vietname, he served a shorter term there than usual. He acted as a photographer. He had special protection to make sure he wasn't killed. This should be a cautionary tale to keep Prince Harry out of Iraq. As with Gore, his presence there will actually detract from the war effort.

Richard L.A. Schaefer, Dubuque, USA

As a french mother, i find it too dangerous for our prince to be on the earth which a great part of its people would be excedingly proud of killing a British Prince. Don't you understand that for a majority of Iraqies, the Jihad has begun.
No, whatever you can beleive (honour, doing like all the British soldiers...) Prince Harry has not his place there. He represents a too precious target. Imagine the worse and forget this idea; millions of things can be done in the UK if Pince Harry wants to be useful and have experiences of tough conditions of living. Thanks not let Him go;

giacomini-turner, grenoble, france

I can only be proud that I speak the same language and share the same cultural roots as Prince Harry.
A gentleman from Massachusetts was quick to point out that American leaders' children, siblings and in-laws are not serving. This is a false assertion based on a faulty premise fostered by the American media.
Many in the US Congress have relatives in Iraq. Even if they didn't, one must remember that our system is voluntary. There is no compulsary service. While their dedication is that of the prince's, he should be held out for his dedication is exemplary!

David Farrow, Georgetown, SC, USA

All politics and Country bashing aside, Cornet Wales is doing whats right. England should be proud of him for his courage and proper leadership. As an american that has served in Iraq, I admire Prince Harry for serving his country with his peers. Lets face it, he has the luxory of not having to serve in a dangerous occupation and chose to anyway. Says alot about this young man and the country he represents.

fiddlers green, Denver, Colorado

I think our prayers should be with Prince Harry. He is a wonderful individual and a testiment to British resiliency.

Mike, Baltimore, US

If any harm comes to Prince Harry it'll be a disaster for Anglo-U.S. relations. The high commands within the U.S. and UK are well aware of this.

AG, New York, NY

Would that Blair's children would volunteer to fight in Blair's war!

Dick, Durham, UK

God bless you Harry! Your action makes me proud to be of English
heritage. Hopefully your determination and committment will serve
as a reminder to all those who have forgotten that their freedoms
come at a price. Those great men who founded, built and preserved
your empire must surely be observing with admiration. May God
protect and sustain all our brave men and women serving in Iraq and
elsewhere in the world, fighting against tyranny and oppression.

Gary Churchill, Yorba Linda, USA/California

Prince Harry going to Iraq? My respect for him and his family have increased exponentially. Clearly, this young man is possessed of some real interior stuff. Congratulations, Harry.

Leslie Alexander, Lafayette, LA, USA

WOW! Is there an actual hero arising from the ruins of the once Great Britian? Maybe there is still hope for the British Isles and the rest of Europe. I have waited and waited for the average Joe, the soccor fan, to rise up and be heard. But even the have ben feminized..
God save England, God save Europe and God bless a real Prince, Harry.

Ernest, Reno, Nevada

You know, America and Britain have had a rough life. First we rebelled in our adolensence before we become a young nation. Much like a twenty-something, we had to fight with ourselves a bit to find our true identity. Now here we are again, shoulder to shoulder with our older parent, fighting the good fight, only this time the child has brought more weapons to the fight. You have taught us well, Great Britain, on how to fight tyranny in the face of madmen. To paraphrase your Winston Churchill, we shall fight the terrorists on their beaches, and in their cities and streets. We shall fight them in their hills and deserts, and bring the hell they wish upon us to their very doorsteps. For you prince about to fight the good fight, remember every morn brought forth a noble chance, and every chance brought forth a noble knight. Remove them from our world before they remove us.

Tom, Bremerton, WA

cheers to Prince Harry. This young man has more backbone and guts than the majority of Britians and Americans combined (not including our militaries). But then it takes a person with honor and character to stand up and fight when threatened by low life terrorist. This is something most people in each country (England and the USA) seem to have none of.

Mike, Lisbon , Ohio

It is a horrible idea to give this young man so much publicity (especially photos in his uniform). Why don't you just draw a huge "bull's eye" on his chest and be done with it? The enemy would love nothing more than to have a video clip on the Arab networks showing him getting the "Danny Pearl" treatment. This is nuts.

Carolyn Clark, Vienna, VA, USA

"Cry God for Harry,England and St George".

Derek.Bevan, Huntingdon/cambs, England

I understand the concern Britain is expressing about Prince Harry's deployment, and I wish him a safe and speedy tour of duty. Perhaps if more of the ruling class here in the US had their children in the line of fire they would not be so cavalier in starting wars like this.

Richard Johnson, Burlington, IA

It was all so much easier when the members of the Royal Family joined the Navy. The warships were fairly safe-provided they stayed afloat!
Prince Harry has made his position clear, he wants to do the same job as everybody else in his postion. If not he made it clear that he would resign his commission.
He will be very difficult to pick out by dissidents as the uniforms and vehicles are all the same.
Good luck to him.

David Kent, Swindon. , Wiltshire, UK

I don't see a source on this story, but it is very sympathetically written: very much like a press release, in fact. "Every attempt will be made to treat Cornet Wales like any other junior officer", for example - surely a statement that should have come from somebody's mouth rather than the pen of a journalist. Particularly when the journalists in question are no less than the political and defence editors (it took both of you to put this together? HOW?). Which makes you think that somebody has gone to great lengths to place this piece. I have to wonder who and why? A member of the royal family going to war is clearly a little PR coup for our government. Of course, if all this coverage does make him a target, I am sure the Times will feel that their part in this 'revelation' was completely morally justified and if he does catch a bullet you will no doubt feel obliged to stand up on a soapbox and deliver a stern oratory on the danger of Islamic fundamentalism or some such...

Peter Pollock, Auckland,

I intend to agree with Fran Pierson of Tampa, and Adam of San diego that Prince Harry and his unit will be an immense target. But, I really don't think that his superiors will be revealing his whereabouts ! As for him, Good luck little man, what a huge responsibility !

Ann Johnson, Brussels, Belgium

There are enough children of US parents dying in Iraq- whether they are politicians' children or not it doesn't matter- to their family, the letter or knock on the door saying that they have died is a horrible, horrible thing.
We must be proud of them, all of them, who are doing things that most of us ,who walk safe in our cities, wouldn't be able to do.
The least we should do is have respect, not make flippant comments on an internet site.

Peter, London, UK

Dear Pete,
When you hate, you're really just hating yourself.

Xiong, Pantuk, China

You know what i think if Harry has the guts to face the war that going on just like the rest of us he to deserves a medal good luck to him and all the guys n gals all over the world who are fighting for there country. we should be supporting our guys not dissing them.

kels, scotland, uk

If any nation exemplifies a commitment to Duty, it is Great Britain. Prince Harry, by honoring his obligation to serve, clearly demonstrates before the world, that regardless of rank or privilage, his nation comes first.

Many of us in America still remember that Prince Albert served with distinction and risked his life during the Falklands War. I do not doubt, that Prince Harry will do the same. To many of us, your long-held and noble traditions are still admired and respected throughtout the world. God Bless him.

Keith Leonard, Roanoke, USA, Virginia

To Anthony, Springfield Mass., USA: You are correct. Bravo to Prince Harry and the British forces. (Most of) the children of American politicians have less balls and guts for such. To the British and US soldiers ..thanks for the Fortitude and thanks for your service! Regardless to what the mindless media consumers have to say, many hold you and your families in their thoughts and prayers. Again...Hurra! Hurra! Hurra! ...and thank you!

Geoffrey, Frankfurt, Germany

"George Bush has been accused of the worst foreign policy mistake in the USA's history, but the worst mistake was by the USA and the world when it let Hitler live" -Bob, Baltimore, Md

"Let" Hitler live? Dont flatter yourself. You didnt even know Hitler existed when WW1 ended. I hope that China becomes the world superpower in Dubya's lifetime, because then maybe he will be charged with the war crimes that he is guilty of. Maybe Chinese soldier will even smuggle out a video of Dubya getting shot by the firing squad!

Pete, Cov,

Anglophile that I am, I am surely proud of Prince Harry. I believe that he is doing his country a great service. Yes, possibly the enemy will zero in on him and his unit, but their bravery and team spirit will win out in the end. We in the world are in the fight of our lives against terrorism, and brutal occupation. I, for one, really like my life here in the States, and I am so appreciative of our brave soldiers who are willing to fight for our freedom.

Kelly, McAllen, TX

Don't worry, 'Al Quaida' (Arabic for 'the toilet') will leave him alone. They have been briefed by MI6 and the CIA (who created Al Quaida). Harry will be fine. He will do his stint in Iraq, kill a few Iraqi civilians (as collateral damage, of course), then come back to England as a war hero with lots of interesting stories to tell his mates. Hey, I thought Blair was the one with the biggest ego in Britain in living times, Harry now takes the biscuit! Britain - the laughing stock of Europe and the US, makes me sick to be British.

Harry Jones, Harrow,

Get them ALL home. Now!

Bob Jones, Chester.,

For comment one- he doesn't need a flourescent vest - he's already a ginger !

PS - he is in the army - he must be treated like everyone else & like everyone else - I hope he and all the others come home safely.

Nelly, Paris, France

Honestly, regardless of anyone's view of the war, I think it is a horrible idea to send Prince Harry. I'm sure he is properly trained and ready to go, but anyone with half a brain has got to admit that he is going to be an Al Qaida magnet, simply because he is a member of the Royal family. Unfortunately, this is going to put numerous other UK and allied troops, as well as Iraqis in grave danger. I simply don't think it will make life any easier for the UK forces and Iraqi civilians in Southern Iraq. Luckily, both citizens of the US and UK are allowed to speak their minds....

Adam, San Diego, California, USA

I'm sure that Iraq isn't a mistake and we will ALL regret the day that we all pull out. George Bush has been accused of the worst foreign policy mistake in the USA's history, but the worst mistake was by the USA and the world when it let Hitler live. Well now we let radical Islam loose. We will pay and hitler will end up looking like a fairly nice guy. Line up, we will go to and experience slaughter like never seen by man.

Bob, Baltimore, Md

I don't know who Arebela is or what she has actually said - not currently posted. But I guess that it must have been very offensive and so in the true Downing Street spirit I denounce her ....bad, bad bad Arebela!

Robbie Rohan, Great Chart, Kent, UK

Here in Canada- yes another of those who think the war was/is wrong. Why not just put Harry in a flourescent vest out on a street in Iraq? You tell when he's going, what group he's with, where he might be. What does it prove to send him there? Is it a possible plot to reduce the Royal Family?(imagine the tabloid headlines) Just pull out all your troops, and give them jobs, educate your people, and try to live in peace.

j.jacobs, British Columbia, Canada

Hey Arabela - you need to read your piece again! To quote you - "the British people and government MUST stop making their idiotic concerns the concerns of the world"! Come on! What have you and your lot been doing since 9/11 then!! If it hadn't been for your President and his cast of cronies and sycophants none of us would even be involved in this unnecessary conflict that is killing so many people - US, Brits, Aussies, Poles, Koreans, and not forgetting the Iraqis. As for the Prince, he's got a job to do and he's prepared to put his life on the line in order to carry out his duty. He's been trained in the British Army and that will have made him harder and more professional than you can possibly imagine. By suggesting that he's a namby pamby you're insinuating that he's not worthy of the uniform and didn't earn the right to wear it!! He's stepping up to the mark to join the other troops on the ground. Just be grateful he's going to defend your "freedom" - you don't deserve it!

CSMminer, Kent, England

We can only hope that the feel-good politicians caving to the definition that peace is a world without Western military intervention would have sense enough to understand that radical Islamists are only biding their time, waiting for the America, Great Britain, Australia and others to surrender in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need not look far back to discover applicable lessons in history. For every terrorist insane enough to blow himself up and harm a coalition soldier or even a civilian, I pray there is one American, Brit, Pole, or Aussie with a good and steady aim, willing to take a stand for civilization. We owe the troops our support. Morale, as reported by fair and balanced media accounts, is high. With new generals and a working strategy to quell violence in the capital and cut-off Iranian instigation, we owe the people of Iraq, their army, and generations to come the chance at democracy. Or we can try promises in the year of an election and send the Middle East into the abyss.

Anthony A., Indianapolis, Indiana USA

Bravo to Harry and to the British forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan!

Too bad American politicians don't have the same fortitude to send their own children. On the contrary, they shield them from the slightest of dangers, save for newly-elected senator Wells, whose son is in Iraq.

Anthony, Springfield Mass., USA

Nigel - do you have ANY idea how many Congressmen have children in the military?? Have you even looked it up? I'm not offended easily but that is way out of line. Good for Harry, I'm glad for him. But how dare you tell us to put our money where our mouth is? As a citizen of the United State of America, I didn't make the decision to go to war, but I am sure as hell proud of the thousands of men and women serving us over there. Who are you to insult us like that???

Here's a link to get you started:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040913/news_1m13duncan.html

Jordan Nelson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA

Disgusted with the comments of Arabela Rocca - who clearly has no idea what pride a majority of the British have in the royal family. Rocca also doesnt see that Harry is doing his bit - not as third in line to the throne or representing his family - but as a soldier!

I'm more concerned about the Americans "friendly fire" and more coverup. Good Luck Harry - wave the flag for us. God Save the Queen!

Miles, London,

Would you really want to go to war attached to a military unit which "stands out" and might most likely become the "desired target" of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis from around the nation who hate being under occupation? Being such a celebrity in a volatile and chaotic war situation that Iraq is now facing, is like setting yourself up to become a target practice for your opponents and in the process, you endanger the rest of the soldiers around you. Is anybody still having a brain these days?

Fran Pierson, Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.

Great News! - We are proud of Harry over here in Britain
Pity a few more children of US Congressmen, Senators or even Jenna and Barbara Bush don't do their duty in fighting for their Country!
US put your children where mouth is!

Nigel Garner, Cape Town, South Africa

Hats off to Prince Harry who, like Prince Andrew and his grandfather, chose to serve their country when required in harm's way rather than showing their backsides and running. Most of our leaders here in the USA should take note and follow such an example.

Philip, Redlands, USA, California

Bravo to Prince Harry! Good luck!

Both Congress and Parliament are getting anxious it would seem. I hope that real improvement is made soon on the ground in Iraq so that order can be restored and most of our soldiers can return.

Ryan Brown, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

The press need to cease reporting or speculating as to where and when Harry will be deployed. This is endangering him and his fellow soldiers. The media need an agreement similar to the one Prince William had during his time at St Andrews. A blanket ban on Harry reporting would at least, partly, keep the insurgents in the dark.

I am proud of Harry and his fellow soldiers. Brave, brave people!

Wombat, Qld, Australia

"Mr Blair declared that terrorism would be defeated “when we do not apologise for our values but stand up for them”.

Couldn't have said it better...

D. Murphy, Saint Paul, MN, USA

Prince Harry has stepped up to the plate and leads by example.I just want you to know this Yank is damn proud of ya!!

Keith, South Jersey, USA

Harry should be the real future king. All fail the handsome one!

chris, WORCESTER, ma

If the British Royal family want to be taken seriously then they have to let their mamby pamby boy go. It is OUTRAGEOUS that this boy gets front page news even when hundreds of thousands of other boys go to the front lines everyday. His blood IS NOT any bluer than anyone else's and the British people and government MUST stop making their idiotic concerns the concerns of the world.

Arabela Rocca, Boston, U.S.

Your parents really named you Tom Sawyer? Seriously?

Huck Finn, Huckleberry, USA

Rah, Rah, wave the flag, Charge of the Light Brigade, and all that rot!

Sending a future heir to the British crown in to Iraq is like handing a huge target to the terrorists and saying "hit this and you win." Every terrorist organization from Al Qaeda to Abu's cub scout patrol will want to take a crack at him and anyone that looks remotely like him (i.e., any other Brit). Southern Iraq will spiral completely out of control and, whether the Prince is out on patrol or hidden in a box behind 50 walls, they will be out to get him.

I have no idea what the British military is thinking, but they are setting up a suicide mission that will explode in their own faces.

John Cross, Kent, OH

To LK Weeks: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, uncle of Prince Harry, served 23 years in the Royal Navy, including extremely hazardous duty as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.

J Baustian, San Diego, California

Prince Harry is principled and courageous. England should be proud of him.

Teri Davis, newport news, Virginia/USA

Your subtitle is wrong. The White House is fine with Blairs decision to begin withdrawing troops. South Iraq, specifically Basra is relatively quite and ready to be handed over to the Iraqis. Baghdad is not.

John, Pittsburgh, USA / Pennsylvania

Go Harry!

Chelse, Cedar Falls, IA, USA

My sincerest admiration and best wishes to Prince Harry.

As the proud father of a U.S. Navy Ensign, I am aware of both the commitment and the peril.

Godspeed...

Dr Ed O'Neill, Wilkes-Barre, PA

For God's sake stop your coddling.....He is a grown man and displays more courage and integrity than any Royal that I can remember in my lifetime.

LK Weeks, Miami, USA/ Florida

Don't send Harry.. they will just kill him!

He will be the BIG target.

bill, billscity, usa

My goodness. Prince Harry going to Iraq! Troops being pulled out. My oh my what a coincidence. At the same time we are having elections shortly. My oh my what a coincidence. You could not make this up in a fairy story. Blair will do absolutely anything to defend himself and try to prevent wipeout for his party. In future we will look back and say we lived through the time of the worst UK prime minister in history who has helped to bring death and destruction to many people. Labout party members, if there are any left, must be writhing in grief that a proud party has been brought to ruin.

Andy, Scotland, UK

Ditto, Rich. :)

Kelly, McAllen, TX

Kudos to the Prince for stepping up!

This serves as a reminder what true leaders of people used to be like unlike our last two U.S. Presidents where each opted to AVOID potential combat service to their country.

The young Prince deserves some applause.

Tom Sawyer, Tucson, USA, Arizona

When you have to quote Howard Dean in an article, you really must be desperate!

Prince Harry shows a lot of courage. Godspeed.

John Seville, Chicago, IL ,

Looks like Prince Harry may actually have what it takes to be king. Hats off to the young man.

rich glasgow, dallas, tx