Prince Harry will soon be joining one of the Army's most celebrated regiments after Clarence House confirmed he is to become an officer with the Household Cavalry. The 21-year-old, who is due to complete his training at Sandhurst Military Academy in April, will become a second lieutenant when he joins the regiment later this year.
A spokesman for the young royal has revealed he was impressed with Household Cavalry's record in conflict zones. "He based his decision on the variety of roles which the regiment undertakes, including reconnaissance support to airborne forces right through to ceremonial duties," he said.
"The prince was also attracted by the regiment's outstanding operational record in recent decades, most notably during the Falklands Conflict and the Gulf War, in Bosnia and Kosovo, in Iraq and in Northern Ireland."
Harry is to undertake specialist training as a troop leader in the armoured division, paving the way for him to lead a 12-man reconnaissance unit. This means it is extremely unlikely he will find himself guarding Buckingham Palace, as was reported in some newspapers, because soldiers of the mounted division are responsible for those duties.
It is possible Prince Charles' youngest son will face operations in one of the Middle East's trouble spots, however, as his regiment is expected to return to Iraq soon. When asked whether the royal's new responsibilities might involve combat, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed this was indeed a possibility. "It is fair to say that if his squadron goes to Iraq, he will probably go with it," he said.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
