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`Sun' says prince's deployment to Iraq will be postponed

Prince Harry's deployment to Iraq will be delayed for as long as possible so that the rest of the soldiers in his unit can acclimatize themselves to their surroundings, the Sun tabloid reported in an early edition of yesterday's paper.

Both the Ministry of Defence and a spokesman for the prince declined to comment on the report or details of his deployment.

According to the Sun, which cited an unidentified army source, Harry will fly out to Iraq after the rest of his unit, who are set to leave for the war-torn country this month.

"If the men are all familiar with their new surroundings before Harry arrives, they will be far sharper to the dangers of the inevitable first attack," the army source told the daily. "Getting him out late is no bad thing for the rest of the lads."

The head of the British army said on Monday that Harry would serve in Iraq, despite fears that insurgents could target the third-in-line to the throne.

"I have taken the decision as chief of general staff. It's my decision as chief of general staff. I have full command of everyone in the army, including Prince Harry," General Sir Richard Dannatt said in a statement.

Dannatt said the decision had been taken after the "widest possible consultation" but added that he could yet change his mind if circumstances changed.

Harry, second son of Prince Charles and the late Diana, princess of Wales, will be responsible for 11 soldiers and four Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles.

Last month was one of the deadliest months for British forces in Iraq since the US-led invasion of March 2003.

Were he to serve in Iraq, Harry would become the first British royal to see active service since his uncle Prince Andrew flew helicopters in the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina.
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