Decision Near for Harry's Regiment

In this file handout photo released by the British army on Sunday July 9, 2006 Prince Harry, youngest son of Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, in a Spartan armoured reconnaissance vehicle. He's a freckle-faced royal rascal who has led a life of privilege. But Britain's Prince Harry is also an army officer _ and he could soon be heading to Iraq to face the reality of combat. (AP Photo/ British Army, Steve Dock,HO-File) (Steve Dock - AP)

LONDON -- Britain's defense secretary will announce Thursday whether Prince Harry's regiment will be sent to Iraq, amid speculation that the third-in-line to the throne might be deployed.

The Defense Ministry has previously confirmed Harry could go to Iraq if his unit was deployed there, but said he might be kept out of situations where his presence would jeopardize his comrades.

Defense Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell Parliament whether Harry's regiment _ the Blues and Royals _ will be sent to Iraq near the southern city of Basra.

Defense officials refused to disclose Wednesday whether Harry would be among those going to Iraq.

"We are not going to reveal (which regiments)," said a Ministry of Defense spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with department policy. "You will have to wait for the announcement in Parliament."

The 22-year-old prince, known as Troop Commander Wales by his regiment, has trained to command 11 soldiers and four Scimitar tanks.

Harry, who graduated last year from Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, said in a 2005 interview that he wanted to fight for his country.

In joining the military, Harry followed a royal tradition: Charles was a pilot with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and a ship commander, and Harry's grandfather, Prince Philip, had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during World War II.

Harry's uncle, Prince Andrew, was a Royal Navy pilot and served in the Falklands war against Argentina in 1982.