Prince Harry Earns His Wings, Set to Train on Apache Helicopters

Britain’s Prince Harry earned his wings Friday to mark his graduation from the army’s pilot course. He was presented with his wings by his father Prince Charles as friends, family and girlfriend Chelsy Davy looked on.

During the ceremony at the AAC’s Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, Hampshire, Harry switched his hats from a red and black to a pale blue cap. That meant the Prince has moved from the Household Cavalry Regiment to the AAC.

Also during the function, Prince Charles inspected the line-up of the troops set to receive their wings. When he got to his son, Harry stuck out his hand for a handshake. Charles shook his head, reminding Prince Harry about military protocol.

“You are looking very smart if I may say so,” Prince Charles told him.

Harry’s girlfriend, Chelsy – with whom he’s had an on and off relationship with – beamed and cheered loudly when her boyfriend’s name was called. The Prince’s two aunts, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCourquodale, sisters of Princess Diana, were also in attendance. So was Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who sat in her wheelchair after breaking her leg last week.

It was also revealed that the Prince will train to fly Apache helicopters during his next training session. This should boost Harry’s hope to return to Afghanistan, where he fought on ground for ten weeks in 2008.

“There is still a huge mountain for me to climb if I am to pass the Apache training course,” he said in a statement issued Clarence House, his home in London.

“To be honest, I think it will be one of the biggest challenges in my life so far,” he added. “I am very determined, though, as I do not want to let down people who have shown faith in my ability to fly this aircraft on operations.”

Prince Harry was selected to train for the Apache. He is already qualified to fly Lynx helicopters.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Chelsy Davy, In-Laws, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Military, Military Training, Prince Harry of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales.

3 Responses to Prince Harry Earns His Wings, Set to Train on Apache Helicopters