When he reported for duty at the start of his Army training, Prince William was sporting the tousled, slightly unkempt locks familiar from his days as a student at St Andrews University. Yesterday, however, his transformation to officer cadet at the UK's elite Sandhurst military academy was complete – as embodied by his new regimental short back and sides.
Prince Charles' elder son revealed his new crop to the world during a visit to a military cemetery in Surrey. And if the images of the 23-year-old Prince laughing and joking with his fellow cadets are anything to go by, Wills is at home with his new look as he is with this latest phase in his career.
Apparently the heir to the throne - while generally considered less obviously Army material than younger brother Harry - has adapted well to the life of a soldier. Senior sources at the academy are crediting him with "outstanding leadership skills".
"Everyone here was keen to see whether William was up to the challenge, but it's fair to say that he hasn't done too badly," reveals a Sandhurst source. "He's a pretty smart bloke, and although it's very clear that he only sees this as a stepping stone before he goes onto greater things, he has got what it takes to inspire his men."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
