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Prince William to Serve in Northern Ireland |
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Written by Staff Writer
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Feb 20, 2007 at 03:51 PM |
Senior Royal courtiers are considering sending Prince William on a tour of Northern Ireland. The second in line to the throne is expected to spend up to two months in the province on attachment from his regiment.
The plan is to give the 24-year-old the experience of a military tour before he does stints in the Royal Navy and the RAF.
Last night a royal source said: "A period there would be symbolic as the people are enjoying a more peaceful existence.
"William cannot serve on the frontline in Iraq or Afghanistan because of his position as future King - so this is an option."
The news comes a day after it was revealed that Prince Harry will definitely go to southern Iraq later this year.
The 22-year-old is to help patrol a 250km border between Iran and Iraq in lawless Maysan province with his Blues and Royals Regiment.
Meanwhile William - who joined the same regiment after passing out of Sandhurst - begins his troop commanders' course next month.
Like Harry he will go to Bovington Camp in Dorset to train on armoured vehicles. He will also do courses on map reading, tactics and leading troops in the regiment.
The course finishes in September and he will go on leave before rejoining his regiment. Royal aides and military planners then hope to send him on attachment to Belfast.
British troops draw down from Northern Ireland on July 31 when they will stop assisting local police forces.
A spokesman for St James's Palace said: "Prince William starts his troop commanders course next month. We cannot comment on other plans."
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