Just days after he reiterated his commitment to charity work, Prince Harry has announced he's made another decision about his future – he'll be joining the Army next year.
Having passed the entrance exams at Sandhurst, the army's most prestigious college, the 20-year-old royal is now set to begin a 44-week officer's training. Harry endured the rigorous Regular Commissions Board four-day test – including obstacle courses, interviews, medicals and a military planning exercise – in order to reach his goal.
"The last four days have been very challenging, both mentally and physically, but it's also been an enjoyable experience," said the Prince. "I have set my sights on joining the Army and I am really looking forward to going to Sandhurst next year." Harry will be following in the footsteps of such prestigious alumni as the Sultan of Brunei and Sir Winston Churchill.
It has long been the Prince's dream to join the Army, and in June, after passing the first test towards entering Sandhurst, he announced his firm intent to begin in early 2005. "He felt ready to start his military career," said a royal spokesperson at the time, adding that the then-teenager had "discussed it with his father and advisers".
Since finishing at Eton, where he was a cadet, Harry has spent much of his gap year on ranches in Argentina and Australia, and has also embarked on a number of charity endeavours in southern Africa. |
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