William deployed to Caribbean

Prince William is heading to the azure waters of the Caribbean as part of a two-month deployment in the Royal Navy despite his request to be as close as possible to conflict.

The assignment, which begins Monday, will see the second in line to the throne spending much of his time trolling the West Indies aboard the Iron Duke, a frigate on hurricane relief duty and counter-narcotics patrol.

Officers decided he could learn more in a short time by serving on the Iron Duke than by being sent to the Persian Gulf, where the Royal Navy is engaged in a number of operations.

There was also concern that placing William, 25, in the gulf might draw attention from enemies.

William’s brother, Prince Harry, was sent back early from the front lines in Afghanistan this spring after a news embargo was broken and it was revealed he was serving there.