Harry to take a break for mother's concert

LONDON: Prince Harry will make an emotional return to Britain from the Iraqi frontline to attend a memorial concert for his mother Princess Diana at the new Wembley stadium on July one.

Senior officers in Harry's regiment, The Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals, have given Harry permission to take two weeks' leave midway through his deployment in Iraq.

The Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that Harry had applied in writing for leave, like all soldiers due to go on frontline duty.

Each is entitled to two week's rest and recuperation if they serve six months, as Harry will do when he goes to Iraq shortly.

The only way Harry would not be flown back to Britain for the concert, marking the 10th anniversary of Diana's death, is if he and the 11 men he commands, who plan to come home at the same time, have to remain in Iraq for operational reasons.

Harry, 22, will join his brother, William at the concert on Sunday, July one, when Diana would have celebrated her 46th birthday.

The 100,000 sell-out show will star Sir Elton John, who played at Diana's funeral service, and her favourite band, Duran Duran.

Senior Royals, including William and Harry's stepmother Camilla, are due to attend a memorial service in London on the actual date of Diana's death, August 31.