God save prince Hal

MiaS had opposed the announced deployment of Prince Harry to Iraq as it was preannounced and was to a part of the world where kidnapping was a major political weapon. At the time I wondered about an anonymous deployment, but thought it better to shut up as no good could come of explaining the idea. ( The Army have enough brain cells to think of it themselves and nobody else needs to focus on it.)

I think a lot of people will have felt a lot of admiration and respect for prince Harry, who has served his country and taken risks many of us will never have to run. Quite honestly I feel proud of him - but I'm not sure if that's the right or appropriate emotion.

Its a great shame his cover has been blown. There's a load of guff about press collusion and freedom of information but I think its miss placed. Surely nobody, outside of the UK's loony left, thinks the press should be printing lists of undercover agents for example ! The Drudge report and Jon Snow should be ashamed of themselves.

But also lets take a moment to consider an aspect of leadership to often missing from our politicians, especially the shameless professional since students New Labour type, that of setting an example. Harry is leading - not by giving orders, speeches, announcing reviews, get press releases, but by doing and setting an example. ( It should be noted that some current MPs have served in Afghanistan themselves - can't think of any Labour ones though. )

This aspect of leadership is too often missing in our self serving world. Whilst I am no fan of Prince Charles - he at least has done things about what he speaks about also - the Prince's trust being the best example.

Personally I'm drifting away from the idea of a royal family - but right now they are out performing our current crop of politicians in terms of leadership.

God save Prince Hal.