Seems the Prince Ain't going to Iraq after all...

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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince Harry will not serve in Iraq as a troop commander because of "a number of specific threats" against him, the UK's top general says.

 

A spokesperson for the prince says he is "very disappointed" by the decision.

 

Chief of the general staff Sir Richard Dannatt said Wednesday: "I have decided today that Prince Harry will not deploy as a troop commander with his squadron.

 

"I have come to this final decision following a further and wide round of consultation, including a visit to Iraq by myself at the end of last week," Dannatt said

 

"There have been a number of specific threats, some reported and some not reported. These threats exposed him and those around him to a degree of risk I considered unacceptable," he said.

 

Dannatt said the decision was final and commended the prince on his determination.

 

"Let me also make quite clear that as a professional soldier, Prince Harry will be extremely disappointed.

 

"He has proved himself both at Sandhurst and in command of his Troop during their training. I commend him for his determination and his undoubted talent -- and I do not say that lightly. His soldiers will miss his leadership in Iraq, although I know his commanding officer will provide a highly capable substitute troop leader."

 

A statement issued by a spokesperson for the prince said: "Prince Harry is very disappointed that he will not be able to go to Iraq with his troop on this deployment, as he had hoped. He fully understands and accepts General Dannatt's difficult decision, and remains committed to his army career. Prince Harry's thoughts are with his troop and the rest of the Battle Group in Iraq."

 

Harry, 22, the third in line to the throne and a junior officer in the army, had been due to be deployed to the southern Iraqi city of Basra with his Blues and Royals regiment in the coming weeks as part of the latest British troop rotation.

 

Harry has repeatedly said that he wants to be deployed with his men, but Ministry of Defence officials have expressed concern that he could become a target for Iraqi insurgents, endangering himself and those serving under him.

 

Royal commentator Robert Jobson told CNN that it would be a "disaster" for the British Army if Harry was targeted by militants.

 

After graduating from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst last year, Harry insisted on an opportunity to serve his country.

 

Jobson said he did not believe Harry would quit the army, despite being kept out of Iraq

 

 

Wow. Can't even protect one guy in that country. Sends a bad message about that - and the privledged. Would've been much smarter to nip this in the bud and say - "as 3rd in line, he cannot go".

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This isn't news.