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Prince Harry Graduates from Sandherst

thatoldfool

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A good article about Prince Harry, third-in-line for the throne, graduating from Sandherst military academy, having finish his officer training:

http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=560652006
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4902628.stm

"Scotsman.com News
Wednesday, 12th April 2006
UK
Edinburgh Evening News Wed 12 Apr 2006

OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN: Prince Harry can't hide a grin as his grandmother, the Queen, passes through the line of new officers.
Picture: Tim Ockenden/PA
One is very amused as Harry graduates from Sandhurst
LAURA ELSTON AND TONY JONES

PRINCE Harry marched in front of the Queen today as he graduated from the Sandhurst military academy as a commissioned officer in the Army.

The 21-year-old third in line to throne took part in the military college's historic Sovereign's Parade.

He was also watched by his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh, his proud father the Prince of Wales, stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall and brother Prince William.

Up to 447 cadets took part in the ceremony, including around 220 officer cadets who were passing out and receiving their commissions like Harry.

Following the ceremony, the Prince, who last week joined Army pals at a lapdancing club, now becomes a 2nd Lieutenant.

He is joining the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals where his rank is referred to as a Cornet.

He will serve in an armoured reconnaissance unit and train to become a troop commander, in charge of 11 men and four light tanks.

The Prince could be sent to serve on the frontline in Iraq or Afghanistan, with one senior Army figure saying today it was "eminently possible" he could be in a danger zone within 12 months.

Tradition dictates that the "pips" on Harry's shoulder - one star signalling his rank as 2nd Lieutenant - remain covered up until midnight at the Sandhurst ball this evening.

Prince William will be there, ready to rip off the tape when the clock strikes midnight.

Harry's girlfriend, Chelsy Davy, is also set to accompany him to the ball. The Prince paraded with the other officer cadets in his pristine uniform to the sound of a military band in front of grand Old College.

Hundreds of proud parents watched from the stands as the recruits marched on to the parade and were barked at for probably the last time by the Academy Adjutant Major Stephen Segrave.

The Prince of Wales arrived dressed in uniform with his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, who wore a dark purple outfit and a black hat. When the Queen arrived the young officers stood to attention as the National Anthem was played and then the Monarch inspected the officers.

She passed through the lines chatting to some of them and when she reached her grandson, Prince Harry, she gave him a beaming smile and in return Harry gave her a big grin and his cheeks flushed red.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer at Sandhurst today supported Prince Harry's decision to join the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals.

Major General Andrew Ritchie said it was an "entirely appropriate choice".

Maj Gen Ritchie said: "The selection process in the British Army is by mutual consent, so all the youngsters commissioning today have found the right homes and I'm sure they will be very happy there.

"We train all cadets here to be ready for operations - but as far as where the cadets go in the world that's a matter for others."

When asked about the revelations that Harry joined Army pals at a lapdancing club last week, the Commandant refused to comment on what action had been taken. He said: "Youngsters will let their hair down and I think everybody will expect that. To my mind I've looked into the issue and I'm not prepared to comment on what action I've taken."

Maj Gen Ritchie said that Harry and brother Prince William, who is in his first year at Sandhurst after attending university, were "very good friends".

• Prince Harry is joining the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and will serve in an armoured reconnaissance unit.

The Prince becomes a 2nd Lieutenant during the Parade and will now train to become a troop commander, in charge of 11 men and four light tanks.

The Blues and Royals were formed in 1969 from an amalgamation of The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) and The Royal Dragoons (The Royals).

In the future, Harry could serve on the front line in Iraq or Afghanistan, where more than 3300 British troops are being deployed this summer.

Harry's uncle the Duke of York served as a Sea King helicopter pilot during the Falklands War.

The Prince of Wales trained to be a pilot with the RAF, getting his wings in 1971. He also signed up to the Royal Navy."
 
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