Menu
29/02/2008
NI Soldier's Stint With Prince Harry Ends
Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, after news of his deployment there was leaked.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday said: "The decision by elements of the foreign media to report Prince Harry's presence in Afghanistan without any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable.
"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier."
Meanwhile, it emerged earlier that Prince Harry has up to now been able to enjoy the benefit of some Ulster 'craic' while fighting on the front line in Afghanistan.
Corporal David Baxter, from Bendooragh, near Ballymoney, has been serving as one half of a two-man team with the third in line to the throne, with both soldiers operating as Forward Air Controllers.
News of the 'partnership' only emerged after it was revealed last night that Harry has been serving in the war-torn region since December, taking part in missions against the Taliban.
The media in Britain had agreed to keep his role a secret, but it was made public by an American website on Thursday.
Commenting on working alongside Prince Harry, Ulster soldier David Baxter said: "At the end of the day he is just treated like any other officer from the regiment."
When David Baxter was sent to Afghanistan as a battlefield air controller he did not expect to be cracking jokes with the third in line to the throne.
But two months into his tour of duty in Helmand, the 28 year-old non commissioned officer found himself mentoring one of his regiment's youngest officers - Prince Harry.
The former tank driver from Bendooragh near Ballymoney - a Corporal of Horse in the Household Cavalry Regiment - was sent to Afghanistan to work as a Forward Air Controller in the autumn.
The crucially important job involved covert aerial surveillance of Taliban positions, coordinating planes and helicopters entering his area and - when necessary - calling in airstrikes.
"He's a really down to earth person," he said. "To be honest, I don't think anyone thinks of him as third in line to the throne or anything, you just take him at face value as any other Household Cavalry officer."
(KMcA)
A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday said: "The decision by elements of the foreign media to report Prince Harry's presence in Afghanistan without any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable.
"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an individual soldier."
Meanwhile, it emerged earlier that Prince Harry has up to now been able to enjoy the benefit of some Ulster 'craic' while fighting on the front line in Afghanistan.
Corporal David Baxter, from Bendooragh, near Ballymoney, has been serving as one half of a two-man team with the third in line to the throne, with both soldiers operating as Forward Air Controllers.
News of the 'partnership' only emerged after it was revealed last night that Harry has been serving in the war-torn region since December, taking part in missions against the Taliban.
The media in Britain had agreed to keep his role a secret, but it was made public by an American website on Thursday.
Commenting on working alongside Prince Harry, Ulster soldier David Baxter said: "At the end of the day he is just treated like any other officer from the regiment."
When David Baxter was sent to Afghanistan as a battlefield air controller he did not expect to be cracking jokes with the third in line to the throne.
But two months into his tour of duty in Helmand, the 28 year-old non commissioned officer found himself mentoring one of his regiment's youngest officers - Prince Harry.
The former tank driver from Bendooragh near Ballymoney - a Corporal of Horse in the Household Cavalry Regiment - was sent to Afghanistan to work as a Forward Air Controller in the autumn.
The crucially important job involved covert aerial surveillance of Taliban positions, coordinating planes and helicopters entering his area and - when necessary - calling in airstrikes.
"He's a really down to earth person," he said. "To be honest, I don't think anyone thinks of him as third in line to the throne or anything, you just take him at face value as any other Household Cavalry officer."
(KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2018
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle To Visit Ireland In July
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to visit the Republic of Ireland in July. The Royal newlyweds will begin their two-day trip on 10th July.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle To Visit Ireland In July
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to visit the Republic of Ireland in July. The Royal newlyweds will begin their two-day trip on 10th July.
23 March 2018
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Visit Northern Ireland
Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle are on their first official visit together in Northern Ireland. The couple visited the Crown Liquor Saloon Bar and staff from the National Trust told them about some of the history of the bar.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Visit Northern Ireland
Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle are on their first official visit together in Northern Ireland. The couple visited the Crown Liquor Saloon Bar and staff from the National Trust told them about some of the history of the bar.
07 September 2017
Prince Harry Makes First Visit To NI
Prince Harry has made his first visit to Northern Ireland today, 07 September. The Prince officially opened the NI Ambulance Service's new £5.6million station in Ballymena and unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit. He also travelled to Belfast where he visited the peace-building organisation Co-operation Ireland.
Prince Harry Makes First Visit To NI
Prince Harry has made his first visit to Northern Ireland today, 07 September. The Prince officially opened the NI Ambulance Service's new £5.6million station in Ballymena and unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit. He also travelled to Belfast where he visited the peace-building organisation Co-operation Ireland.
25 October 2010
Mournes Helicopter Crash Shocks Prince
Just 24 hours after the Queen flew out of NI after her two-day visit last week, a helicopter crash has brought tragedy close to the royal family.
Mournes Helicopter Crash Shocks Prince
Just 24 hours after the Queen flew out of NI after her two-day visit last week, a helicopter crash has brought tragedy close to the royal family.
14 April 2015
Man Remanded In Custody Over Kyle Neil Murder
A man, aged 26, has been remanded in custody charged with murdering Kyle Neil. The 23-year-old father from north Belfast was found dead in the boot of a car in south Belfast on Sunday. The accused, Wesley Harry Vance from Comber, appeared before Newtownards Magistrates' court. He had been stabbed in a "frenzied attack", according to police.
Man Remanded In Custody Over Kyle Neil Murder
A man, aged 26, has been remanded in custody charged with murdering Kyle Neil. The 23-year-old father from north Belfast was found dead in the boot of a car in south Belfast on Sunday. The accused, Wesley Harry Vance from Comber, appeared before Newtownards Magistrates' court. He had been stabbed in a "frenzied attack", according to police.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
