It has been confirmed: Prince Harry is being deployed to Iraq. He will be the first British royal to serve in an active war zone in 25 years.

A spokesperson for the defense ministry said that Prince Harry would be sent to Iraq with his regiment, the Blues and Royal, as part of the latest troop rotation.

According to reports, the third in line for the British throne was said to be "over the moon" about the decision to send him to Iraq later this year. His deployment is expected to take place in May or June of this year.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Defense and Clarence House royal palace made it clear that the 22 year old prince would be acting in a "normal troop commander's role," and that he would not be given a cushy desk job at headquarters.

The announcement to deploy Prince Harry comes only a day after Tony Blair presented his first step plans for a phased withdrawal of British forces from Iraq; 1600 troops will be returning within the next few months.

There are some concerns over the deployment - Prince Harry's presence in Iraq would make him a target for insurgents, putting himself and his regiment at risk.

The Defense Ministry is urging the media not to speculate on where the Prince will serve.