Prince Andrew visits Iraq troops

[cal04]

The Duke of York has made a flying visit to troops in Southern Iraq who recently lost three comrades. Prince Andrew - who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Staffordshire regiment - was flown by helicopter into Basra.

The last three British soldiers killed in Iraq were from the regiment. The Prince was given a tour of the region. He said: "I would like to add my thanks to all service personnel for their courage, hard work and determination in supporting their country."

Paid respects
The Prince was flown by helicopter into Basra from RAF Benson for the one-day trip. He stopped off at Maysaan province north of Basra and the Shaibah Logistics Base. He also visited the Iraqi Navy based at Umm Qasr Naval Base and paid his respects at memorials to soldiers who lost their lives recently.

Around 1,000 British troops are currently serving in Maysaan.
At the Umm Qasr Naval Base he met the deputy operations commander of the Iraqi Navy and inspected patrol boats that carry out essential oil platform security duties in the gulf.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4170184.stm

[Greeby]

1. Question about his mother and the Armed Forces

Since they are HER Armed Forces, first and foremost. Does she have the power to recall them if a Prime Minister sends them based on lies?

[Kicked in the Taco]

2. Sigh...don't they have enough problems out there already?

[Cassandra]

4. He at least has the guts to show up in a war zone.

I don't see the children of the American rich either serving or visiting.

[Kicked in the Taco]

5. I guess it is game of Andy to show a bit of noblesse oblige...

I hope the soldiers appreciate it- or at least are grateful that they didn't send his little brother or, God forbid, his Dad.

[Cassandra]

6. In the Falklands...

he was actually in a combat zone. On a ship but that counts. There wasn't a little Andy-shield over the ship. Like Al Gore, who wasn't in a combat position (unlike Andrew) but was in a war zone.
And yes, it's probably just as well that his brothers didn't show up.

[Kicked in the Taco]

9. I know he served, and I wouldn't accuse him of being a coward.

Just a parasite. But yes, as far as these things go, he was the natural choice of royal to send out there.

[hopein08]

11. He was a combat helicopter pilot (based on a Navy ship)...

I can't remember which it was but he was either shot down or the helicopter just crashed once. Also, I remember reading where he said that he had to keep flying once because his ship was under air attack.

I really like the royals, glad I'm not the only one to stand up for them!

[Kicked in the Taco]

13. Yes, thank goodness a brave few will stand up for hereditary privilege

Against jumped up plebs like me who somehow think they should have the right to elect their own head of state!

[Cassandra]

15. We have the right to "elect" our head of state.

Look what we're stuck with.

[Kicked in the Taco]

17. America is one, in many ways highly idiosyncratic example of republicanism

Just like Saudi Arabia is one example of a monarchical form of government- it doesn't follow that most monarchies have to end up like that country. I'd like to see Britain adopt a constitution more along the lines of the system used in the Republic of Ireland, with a largely ceremonial presidency and a continuation of parliamentary government- which would actually be strengthened by the removal of the royal prerogatives under which monarchical powers to act without Parliament's approval have been devolved to our now virtually all-powerful Prime Minister.

[hopein08]

18. The Queen is head of state in title only...

she really has no power. I like to think that it is more about keeping the tradition, history, and character of Britain together. Say what you will about expenses, redundancy, and empty titles but that is one constant for Britain. Of course, I'm not British so I can't speak for them. But just look at how much the Royal Family raises for charities each year. If Laura Bush did half as much per year as most of the royals do, this country would be better off.

Tony Blair is elected. A big oops, just like Georgie Porgie, but elected just the same. And it is Blair and the ELECTED House of Commons who have the power.

[Kicked in the Taco]

20. Crown prerogative powers

In practice, the Queen doesn't have much real power over how the country is run- but her power has not been devolved to Parliament. It's been devolved to the Prime Minister, who can still use these powers (which include the powers to declare war, call parliamentary elections or dish out patronage) without any reference to parliament, because technically he's simply advising the Queen on areas where she can act independently. So the presence of the monarchy, at least in its present form, acts to greatly increase Blair's (or any other Prime Minister's) power- in fact our PM has far broader powers than your President.

[Cassandra]

14. I don't think he was shot down...

but he was under enemy fire. I'm not that fond of a lot of the royals (Princess Michael comes to mind) but I have a soft spot for Andrew. A good friend of mine is a royal scholar and researcher and she will forgive them almost anything. It gets a bit much sometimes. I see them as a pleasant, if expensive, hobby.

[okasha]

7. Prince Andrew and his father

are both combat veterans, something I'm sure the Brit troops would appreciate. What's the problem?

[Kicked in the Taco]

8. I know they are both veterans.

They're both a lot of things. One of them's a racist, and ones a painfully indulged money-wasting playboy, for example.

As for what the problem is- well outside the whole concept of monarchy itself there is no big problem in this specific case and my remark was semi-flippant. Some of the troops probably do appreciate the visit. Others probably shared my feelings that that lot are just about the last people you want showing up in your place of work.

[hopein08]

10. If I remember correctly, Prince Charles has already visited troops in Iraq

Sorry, I'm a big fan of the monarchy.

[Kicked in the Taco]

12. Then you'll know Charlie is Andy's older brother

My reference was to his younger brother- a cretin of such proportions that even most monarchists wont attempt to defend him.

[hopein08]

16. So sorry, I guess I read to quickly, please forgive me!

:pals::pals:

[Kicked in the Taco]

19. No probs, sorry if my response sounded a bit snarky!

:pals:

[MasonJar]

3. I do not understand your comment. What is negative about the

prince visiting the troops?