Prince Harry kidnapping simulated

LONDON, March 5 (UPI) -- Threats made against Britain's Prince Harry are leading the country's army to conduct role-playing exercises that simulate the prince's kidnapping in Iraq.

Harry, who is scheduled to ship out to Iraq with the Blues and Royals regiment in May, will take part in a role-playing exercise that involves the prince and his regiment being taken hostage while other troops mount a rescue, The Sun reported Monday.

The exercises follow threats against the prince printed on extremist Web sites that led British army officials to express fears that Harry could be used by insurgents to make demands on TV.

Internet terror expert Neil Doyle said the threats, posted on Web sites supporting extremist cleric Omar Bakri, "represent clear incitement."

"Harry would be the ultimate prize for one of these insurgent groups," he said. "He would be worth his weight in gold in propaganda terms if killed or captured."