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British Army Chief to Order Prince Harry to Iraq


The head of the British army says he has decided that Prince Harry - third in line for the British throne - will be sent to Iraq.

General Richard Dannatt said Monday the decision was his, but that he could still change his mind if circumstances change. The general demanded an end to what he called the media frenzy surrounding the prince for the sake of the security of British soldiers in Iraq.

Prince Harry is a second lieutenant in the British army. He would command 11 soldiers and four tanks in Iraq. The prince has insisted that he be allowed to do his duty.

Newspaper reports say Iraqi insurgents have threatened to kidnap the prince. Some military officials say his presence could put other soldiers in harm's way.

Prince Harry would be the first British royal family member to serve in combat since his uncle, Prince Andrew, flew helicopters over the Falkland Islands during a 1982 war with Argentina.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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