I frankly can't decide whether to laugh or throw up over the fact that they'd bail the man out even when he's happy where he is. Though I'm still confused as to why this is an issue as the royals have been sending their kids to war for generations (one of few redeeming features I daresay).
As for the inquest I don't trust anyone involved. The inquest would have started already if Al Fayed hadn't decided to stall, his lwayer's a prominent republican and most likely has an axe of his own to grind (unlike Al Fayad's it's quite irrelevant), on the other hand there's also the fact that they'll be on their third coroner fairly soon and they also had to get the High Court to order the inquest to be heard with a jury.
Not sending Harry to Iraq is a decision based on british interests.
Looks like, Harry could be either killed by insurgents or kidnapped by them!
Imagine what a propaganda blow that would be against the UK.
Congrats UI you've just made Slate Magazine with this story, which just goes to show how far and widely you're read!
Keep up the good work!
http://www.slate.com/id/2166428/?nav=fix
United Irelander argues the royal safety test might well apply to the rest of the British corps: "If I was a British person I'd be asking myself why this royal gets to avoid service on account of the dangers in Iraq, yet the rest of the British troops have to endure it. It seems royal blood means more than 'common' blood. …For British personnel, It should be either 'all in' or 'all out'. If Iraq is too dangerous for Harry then it's too dangerous for everybody else."
A balanced and well considered post if ever I saw one. I especially like the way you point out that having the prince present would directly increase the risk to the numerous personnel who would be serving in his direct company. Oh wait... I must have read that somewhere else.
My gut reaction was that he should have gone, especially if that was his wish, and I completely understand Mr Keys' reaction, but I suspect he may have reacted differently if his son had been one of the soldiers due to be serving directly alongside Prince Harry. I can only guess what your headline would be if he had "unecessarily, selfishly and recklessly endangered the lives of his friends just to satisfy his own desire to go to Iraq".
Thanks for pointing that out, charles. Good stuff.
beano
"I especially like the way you point out that having the prince present would directly increase the risk to the numerous personnel who would be serving in his direct company. Oh wait... I must have read that somewhere else."
I thought I had addressed that foolish line of thought when I pointed out that British troops are in danger anyway.
Could you maybe explain to me how having Harry there "would directly increase the risk to the numerous personnel who would be serving in his direct company"?
How will they find Harry? Will he be wearing his crown?
I guess those "numerous personnel" are going to be safe now that Harry won't be going there. I'm sure they're thrilled at the news!
UI,
You’re right that this is a ridiculous decision, but it’s unfair to blame Harry for it; he made it very clear that as an officer he wanted to be with his troops in Iraq for better or for worse; in fact he’s probably the only one to come out of this whole affair with any credit. I have a little question though; if the ‘royals’ aren’t allowed to go to war, why are they allowed, and even encouraged to join the army?
UI
From what I understand the risk was thanks to the fact that the British aren't 100% certain of those locals who they employ in their base.
And, let's face it, killing Harry would be a propaganda coup for the insurgents. But, kidnapping him would have been much, much bigger. Imagine beheading him in front of a webcam?
Every soldier serving in Iraq is at risk, clearly, but Harry would have been at a greater risk than any other mostly because of the locals on the base. And, equally, those serving closely with Harry would have been at greater risk thanks to his presence.
The British War office (whatever it's called) made a mess of this. Harry should have just gone off anonymously and they could have made a big noise of his return. Instead they insisted on making it a big deal before he left, which made his going impossible. (That may have been their desire all along, not sure.)
How will they find Harry? Will he be wearing his crown?
LOL! 
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