Prince's Iraq tour confirmed

Prince Harry was said to be "over the moon" yesterday in spite of fears that he will become a terrorist target, after the Ministry of Defence announced that he is being sent to Iraq with the Household Cavalry.

It is not expected that he will lead patrols in high-risk towns, and there was speculation that he will be helping to stop smuggling of weapons from Iran. It was also suggested that the SAS would be deployed to try to protect his unit if he goes into areas of danger.

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But the Ministry of Defence said it was asking for a news blackout on precisely where he will be operating. "Speculation about precisely where Cornet Wales will serve, or the exact details of his role, is potentially dangerous," said the MoD.

"The Ministry of Defence and Clarence House are writing to ask all media organisations to respect this matter of operational security in order that Cornet Wales can undertake a normal tour of duty."

The Queen has given her approval to his deployment. The Prince, who is third in line to the throne, will command a troop of 12 men from the Household Cavalry Regiment for six months.

Palace sources said Harry was a "career soldier" who had asked to go to Iraq.