British royal Prince Harry’s army regiment the Blues and Royals will be sent to Iraq this year, the UK government announced this morning. Harry - a second lieutenant (cornet) - could be deployed in the war-torn country as early as April as part of a long-planned rotation of troops. UK Defense Secretary Des Browne confirmed the decision to make Harry the first senior member of the royal family to serve on the front line since Prince Andrew flew helicopters in the Falklands War in 1982.

A joint statement from the ministry of defense and the royal household reads, "Whilst in Iraq, Cornet Wales will carry out a normal troop commander's role, involving leading a troop of 12 men in four Scimitar armored reconnaissance vehicles, each with a crew of three. The decision to deploy him has been a military one, made by The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, in conjunction with Cornet Wales' commanding officer. The royal household has been consulted throughout." It is thought Harry will be protected by members of the SAS (Special Air Service) while in Iraq.