Prince Harry Fighting the Taliban

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Feb 2008 11:10 PM

So much for keeping it a secret mission.

Prince Harry has spent the last 10 weeks on the frontline in Afghanistan serving his country alongside his fellow soldiers. Only the world was not supposed to know about it.

Of course, he is the son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, so it should come as no surprise that someone let out that the 23-year-old second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalry had finally gotten his wish to join his fellow British countrymen in the war-torn country.

According to news reports, Harry arrived in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve (after getting his marching order from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth) and quickly entered one of the most dangerous provinces in the fight against terror. The prince was reportedly put on foot patrol, alongside elite Ghurka fighters.

You'll recall there was a media frenzy last year following the announcement that Harry would be deployed to Iraq. But, in order to safeguard his life and those of his fellow soldiers, British military officials decided against sending the prince to Iraq and his colleagues went on without him.

The young prince recently told reporters that he was honored to serve time on the frontline fighting Taliban forces and has never feared for his life during his time there. Interestingly, he says it wasn't until he received a letter from his brother Prince William that he spent time pondering his position.

According to British papers, William reportedly sent Harry a note saying how proud he was of him and how proud their mother would be that her second son was putting his life on the line in order to protect others.

Meanwhile, the head of the British army also went public praising Prince Harry's work with the forces in Afghanistan.

General Sir Richard Dannatt told reporters Prince Harry is a "credit to the nation."

Unfortunately for Harry now that the world knows his whereabouts his commanders are considering whether to call the royal officer home to the United Kingdom.

Do you think Harry should be shipped home?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Lisa P (24013) 29 Feb 2008 05:24 AM

OK, first of all, if you're going to be in Afghanistan (or any other hotspot for that matter), the best person to have your back is a Ghurka.

Secondly, every allied soldier in Afghanistan is at risk. Why should Harry be held back and relegated to becoming yet another wastoid playboy back home when he can be honorably serving his country? Harry may have grown up before our eyes, but he's a man now. Let him be a man and serve his country honorably in the capacity that he can. When his brother is crowned, he'll have to serve in an equally dangerous position.

Huzza, Harry! Thank you for your service!

Michele Cheplic (37339) 06 Mar 2008 01:00 PM

I wondered what people thought about the media leaking the info about Harry and his early return. Your comment was a great one Lisa!!