Tensions Return After 1982 War With Argentina

Thirty years ago, the British Royal Navy was dispatched to battle an attempt by Argentina to annex the Falkland Islands. The episode is chronicled in the film, "Iron Lady," now playing in theaters. But history is repeating itself this week, and Britain's Prince William is among those deployed.

The Telegraph reports the Duke of Cambridge flew out Wednesday night to begin a six-week tour of duty as a helicopter pilot, crewing one of two search-and-rescue helicopters based at a large military vase near the capital of Stanley.

Unlike 1982, there hasn't been any military action yet, but the Royal Navy has dispatched the HMS Dauntless to the area. It's the ship's maiden voyage. Argentine officials are playing up the royal connection, referring to Prince William as a "conquistador."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman tells the Telegraph the ship being sent to the area is simply coincidence, adding, "The Royal Navy has had a continuous presence in the South Atlantic for many years. The deployment of HMS Dauntless to the South Atlantic has been long planned, is entirely routine and replaces another ship on patrol.'

FMI: www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/PrinceWilliam/PrinceWilliam.aspx