IN a display of maturity and selflessness which would make his mother proud, Prince Harry has volunteered his butler to serve in Iraq.
The young prince, frustrated in his efforts to join the battle against the insurgency, has insisted that McGregor, his faithful retainer, be sent to the most dangerous districts in Basra.
"This demonstrates the Royal Family's determination to support our troops and to play their part in the war against evil," said seasoned Royal observer Norman Steele.
"Harry has grown-up and is starting to find his role. I'm sure he will be celebrating his new maturity at Boujis and Mahiki on the Fulham Road tomorrow night."
McGregor, a 34 year-old Scotsman, has no experience of army life and was brought into royal service after 12 years with P&O. He is now a private in the Rifles, and is expected to be on patrol in Basra by the end of the week.
"McGregor is a fine chap, really good sort, who'll muck in, do his bit and all that," said a Palace spokesman. "He's very lucky really, to be given a chance like this. The Prince could have picked any one of his staff but felt that McGregor possessed just the right level of pluck.
"But he won't forget about him immediately and has promised to send him a small picnic hamper from Fortnum and Masons and a copy of Tatler on the first of every month. That should keep his spirits up."
There will be no let up for the busy young Prince who will now concentrate on devising a really spectacular prank for 'Bongo' De Vere's 21st birthday bash at the end of June.
