Fulfills neglected royal role
Henry Wales, the second son of Prince Charles and the late Princess http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=2983, has been serving as a Lieutenant and Troop Commander with the Blues and Royals Regiment as a part of the UK forces battling the Taliban in Afghanistan. Popularly known as Prince Harry, the British government initially announced that it would not deploy him with his regiment out of fear that his high profile would make his unit a prime target for the Taliban and their al Qaeda allies. Harry’s regimental comrades wore teeshirts with the slogan “I’m Harry,” poking fun at the concerns.
Prince Harry, 23, who is third in line to the throne behind his father and elder brother William, attended Sandhurst, the world famous officers college. No matter what one thinks of the Royal Family or the Afghan conflict, in taking up arms Harry is fulfilling a traditional royal role, which was partly to defend the people militarily. The last British monarch to lead troops into battle was George II, and monarchs across the world have slowly lost their image, being now widely perceived as enjoying unearned privilege. In contrast to the Royal Family of the UK, none of the children of George W. Bush (who himself avoided the Vietnam War) or former UK leader Tony Blair saw any service in the “War on Terror” both men championed, leaving that to other people’s children.Harry’s uncle, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, saw action in the Falklands War of 1982 as a helicopter pilot, and all males in the family undergo military and naval schooling and service.
The Blues and Royals Regiment (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) are best known for their ceremonial role, escorting The Queen in their cuirasses and plumed helmets. In fact, most members are in active service at any one time, and have fought in every major British campaign since the middle of the 1600s. Prince Harry going into battle (against Muslims, no less) is sure to help the cause of the monarchy.