As an expert skier and polo player Prince William has a reputation as a bit of an action man. And this week the dynamic royal turned his hand to a new sport, taking to the waves as part of his Sandhurst military training.
Along with other cadets 23-year-old Wills set sail on a yacht from Southampton bound for the Isle of Wight. He'll be at sea until the weekend for an exercise that should be relatively easy compared to what the Prince has endured so far.
In February he was pictured on a 36-hour march through Wales' unforgiving Brecon Beacons. As temperatures plunged to -10 degrees centigrade the would-be soldier trekked through snow and icy rivers with a heavy pack, winning admiration for his determination.
"He seemed like a man possessed," said a Sandhurst source. "This is the biggest challenge William will ever have had to face. So far he is coming through with flying colours."
As well as braving the rigours of army discipline Wills has also come in for a bit of ribbing for his refined accent, with his fellow trainees nicknaming him 'Posh'.
Similar treatment was meted out to Prince Harry, who graduated from Sandhurst shortly before the Queen's 80th birthday. William's younger brother earned himself the sobriquet 'Taff' because he was officially known as Cadet Wales during the 44-week course.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
