Posted on 01/17/2006 9:21:27 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
LONDON (Reuters) - A slightly nervous-looking Prince William launched his army career on Sunday when he entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.
The second-in-line to the British throne is following younger brother Prince Harry into the elite academy to train to become an officer.
William, 23, arrived with his father, heir-to-the-throne Britain's Prince Charles, at the site in Camberley, southern England, looking a bit apprehensive on the first day of his one-year training course.
Last October William passed the Regular Commissions Board exams -- a series of tests and tasks to gauge the ability of candidates to meet the mental, physical and emotional demands facing army officers -- to gain entry to the academy.
"I am absolutely delighted to have got over the first hurdle, but I am only too well aware, having spoken so much to Harry, that this is just the beginning," he said at the time.
"I am really looking forward to taking my place alongside all the other cadets at Sandhurst."
William has the prospect of eventually becoming Commander in Chief of Britain's armed forces -- the role traditionally occupied by the monarch.
(Excerpt) Read more at today.reuters.com ...
I thought he didn't want to be king
Isn't that special! Like this guy is ever gonna see any action aside from between the sheets. Gimme a break!
In a nazi get-up?
You never know.
His uncle, Prince Andrew, saw action in the Falklands War.
The British monarchy, to their credit, has a long tradition of military service.
In general the British royalty and upper classes set a good example by their military service. Queen Elizabeth's family stayed in London during WWII bombing, rather than leave to a safe country. She made radio broadcasts addressed to the children during those days. His uncle Andrew served in the Falkan war. His father was in the military also, but I don't know if he saw action.
The vast majority in our military never see any kind of combat action either..........
That's a great point, and the kernel of the need for keeping a high degree of strength.
You keep your muscles strong, and you will likely not need them (other than to look real menacing).
Ugh! My ignorance is showing! I always thought that royalty serving in the military was more for "show" than anything else. Posts 6 and 7 have proven me wrong. Only time will tell if Willy has the right stuff!
William is coming behind his brother Henry and Uncle Andrew who have already cut the mustard.
Small wonder that William is nervous.
Sandhurst is not a cakewalk.
If I remember correctly, Charles, like Andrew, was a helicopter pilot. I salute the whole family for doing their military duty. They indeed set a good example, and I thought Andrew did a marvelous job in the Falklands war.
"The British monarchy, to their credit, has a long tradition of military service."
I have seen pictures of Queen Elizabeth II, during WWII, in uniform.
At one time, England was notorious for her naval expertise.
Yea, up until the War of 1812 when they went up against the US Navy. :)
Maybe it'll help the little twit to grow up some.
Past your bedtime, beav!
The english navy while small these days, is still a proud and extremely professional and well-trained force.
I saw a series about their submarines and what the crews and officers go through during training and war exercises. Very impressive.
So far William has made it on good looks and an ability to stay out of trouble but I think Henry has a lot of grit and takes after Mountbatten.
Regardless of the Hitler snafu I think he is pretty solid.
Not smart but dependable.
Sweet dreams derllak.
I just think those two spoiled kids could use a good dose of reality. It builds character!
Stay outta trouble,beav! Remember, I've got info I can use to blackmail you with! lol! G'night!
Yep. Queen Elizabeth also joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (Home reserves) at 18 and served as a driver for the last year of the war.
She married Prince Philip Mountbatten who saw action off Cape Matapan. Philip served aboard HMS Wallace during the Allied landings on Sicily. He was the XO of a destroyer, HMS Whelp, that saw action in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Whelp was in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender.
Yup - The RN did lose most of the one on one engagements, in what was essentially a maritime guerilla campaign. This lead to a radical rethink in British frigate design design (No one at that time was beating, or even taking on a British battle fleet). They were however able to completely end US overseas trade, whilst still having enough left over for a rather infamous sea borne raid on the capital.
Please also remember that there was the small matter of fighting and defeating Napolean at the same time, a rather more pressing call on British time and resource.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.