Last night a Household Cavalry Colonel told the Sunday Express the 30-year-old was listed for the post and, unless he took the unusual decision to decline, the position would be confirmed by the Queen “probably next year”.

“It is a ceremonial position in which he will represent the Monarch,” said the source, who added that the paperwork for him to represent the Life Guards had been passed through the regiment and sent to Buckingham Palace.

Prince Harry will take the salute at regimental anniversaries and represent the unit at ceremonial events.

Prince William, who had a short Army career before his RAF helicopter role, became Colonel of the Irish Guards three years ago.

The Queen heads several regiments, while Prince Charles is Colonel of more than six units along with the Earl of Wessex. The Princess Royal, Duchess of Cornwall and Countess of Wessex also head infantry battalions.

“It’s good to have someone who has actually been part of a regiment and knows what it is all about,” said author Penny Junor, who wrote Prince Harry: Soldier, Brother, Son. “The point is that Harry’s real interest wasn’t climbing up the promotion poll. It was getting down and dirty in a ditch. He liked the action man stuff.”