Prince Williams, second-in-line to the British throne, will join the army next year as an officer cadet at Sandhurst military academy, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.
The 23-year-old will follow in the footsteps of his brother Prince Harry, who entered Sandhurst earlier this year.
Williams' confirmation of entry came after he cleared the Regular Commissions Board to test for aptitude to become an officer.
"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," William said, adding, "I am really looking forward to taking my place alongside all the other cadets at Sandhurst."
It may be recalled that William had, during an interview last November, said that he was considering joining the army after finishing his geography degree at St Andrews University, but would not expect or accept special treatment if he did so.
"The last thing I want to be is mollycoddled or wrapped up in cotton wool," he had said, adding, "if I was to join the army, I would want to go where my men went and I would want to do what they did."
William is expected to begin the commissioning course at Sandhurst in January after his gaining work experience at HSBC bank in November.
(agencies)