PRINCE HARRY FACES REGIMENTAL DILEMMA



August 21, 2003

Speculation is rife over Prince Harry's future after press reports that he may not join the Welsh Guards after all.

The 18-year-old had been expected to choose the regiment of his confidant Mark Dyer, but it now seems he may opt for the Household Cavalry or the Queen's Company of the Grenadier Guards. The first option would afford Harry the chance to indulge his passion for polo, but the Windsors have strong links with the latter.

"Everyone has been saying that Harry will join a cavalry regiment, but don't count your chickens on that," said a source at the Grenadier Guards. "Don't forget there are strong family connections to the Queen's Company. Harry's grandfather Prince Philip is the regiment's colonel, and the Queen is the company commander."

While there is intense interest in which path the young Prince will follow, he still has some time to make up his mind. Harry is planning to take a gap year before beginning officer training at Sandhurst, and he doesn't have to choose a regiment until just before he graduates from the facility.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
The prince has already shown his military mettle by leading the Cadet Tattoo at Eton
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Joining the Household Cavalry would allow him to indulge his passion for polo
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