During the First World War, Prince Edward, The Prince of Wales insisted on going to France and the front line of fighting.  
Suppose he were taken prisoner by the enemy? Suppose he were killed?  
Edward would have none of it. He went to the front line. Was this wise?

A rhetorical question, I assume, FL.

Prince Edward wrote a letter when he was at the British Army Headquarters in France. He wrote that he held commissions. However he was not allowed to fight.   
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1091898

Ah, a theoretical question then!

Edward was the heir but there were four spares ... Albert (later George VI), Henry (Duke of Gloucester), George (Duke of Kent), and John. Admitedly John was an invalid and died young, while George later turned out to be a bit of a druggy ... but that still left two competent adult brothers. Fortunately so as things turned out.