‘Top learner’ Prince Harry to get helicopter wings

LONDON - Prince Harry is reportedly set to graduate as fully-qualified helicopter pilot after coming in the top 10 per cent of his class.

The 25-year-old royal is due to receive his helicopter wings at a special ceremony at the Army Air Corps HQ in May.

“There are few people around more amazed than Harry himself. But he’s worked his backside off and everyone is ­delighted with the results. He really has earned it,” the Daily Star quoted an aide as saying.

One family friend added: “The most satisfying thing for Harry is he’s achieved this on the same level playing field as all the other ­candidates. When he’s in the air no one cares who his father is, just whether he can fly the thing ­properly.”

Harry may then be assigned to either Apaches training, which would mean he could qualify to serve in Afghanistan, or a Lynx squadron, that could speed up his march to the front line.

The source said: “Both helicopters are very much operational and flying missions in Afghanistan. So if it isn’t all over before he graduates, he will be going back there, just as he promised.”

Harry was pulled out of Afghanistan in 2008 over security concerns after media leaked his whereabouts. (ANI)