Prince Harry's hopes of returning to frontline action in Afghanistan have been given a major boost after it was announced that he had passed his Army pilot's course.
The 25-year-old was told on Thursday that he had completed his training and was also informed he had the ability to fly either the Lynx or Apache helicopters.
The prince has until his graduation ceremony next Friday to decide which aircraft he would like to specialise in and his preference will be taken into consideration when military commanders make their final decision.
A St James's Palace spokesman said: "Prince Harry is very pleased. He will give the matter serious consideration over the next few days before inputting his preference."
Lieutenant Harry Wales served in Afghanistan's Helmand Province as a forward air controller directing air strikes for 10 weeks in 2007-08 and he has made no secret of his wish to return.
The prince, an officer with the Household Cavalry Regiment, changed the direction of his military career and became a pilot to increase his chances of being deployed to the Middle East country.
Harry began his flying training with the Army Air Corps in January last year and has been working hard to complete the course.
