THERE have been plenty of letters concerning the controversy about sending Prince Harry to Iraq, but I have neither heard nor seen any statement as to what is to become of Prince William (second in line to the throne).

Why was he allowed to join the army, three years after Prince Harry, when the war in Iraq was already on? What will happen to him when he eventually becomes a full-time serving soldier?

Mrs AE Carr, Middleton St George.

MANY of the comments about Prince Harry not being allowed to go to Iraq have been unfair.

The decision was taken by the senior land forces commander-in-chief who had learned of positive threats to Harry's life by insurgents Senior commanders have also considered the threat to Harry's comrades who would have been constantly under extreme pressure.

Their lives, too, would have been permanently under threat. It has been further announced that Harry will, however, serve in active service in Afghanistan and elsewhere without media attention.

The courage of this young man is beyond question. Aged just 12 he was abseiling down sheer cliffs.

All he wanted to do was serve his country - just look at the military history of his Spencer side of his family history to see that its bravery in military actions was glorious and incomparable.

Bernard McCormick, Newton Aycliffe.