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Is Tony Blair trying to protect Prince Harry?

By Stone Martindale Feb 21, 2007, 15:49 GMT

England's reduction in troops had some political armchair quarterbacks and politcal pundits speculating on the sudden motivation for PM Tony Blair's new stance on the Iraq war. Prince Harry - © Photorazzi

Prince Harry - © PhotorazziThe news for the potential deployment of Prince Harry's regiment will soon be known whether they are to be sent to Iraq in the latest round of troop deployments.The BBC reports that Defence Secretary Des Browne will brief the MPs Thursday on which military units will be sent to Iraq as part of troop rotation.A spokesman refused to reveal to the media which units were picked, or to indicate whether Harry's "Blues and Royals" regiment will be deployed.But speculation is heavy in UK and US media that the Prince, third in line to the British throne, will become the first royal to serve in a war-zone since his uncle, the Duke of York, flew helicopters in the Falklands conflict in 1982.Yesterday it was announced to worldwide media sources in an announcement issued by Prime Minister Tony Blair that Britain's commitment in Iraq will be reduced from 7,100 to 5,500 within the next few months.According to the Internation Herald Tribune, it remains to be seen what duties Prince Harry, known in the Army as Cornet Wales, will do if he is deployed to Iraq.Prince Harry has always been frank with the press in his desire to be treated the same as any ordinary soldier, rather than being kept away from harm in a headquarters job.