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Prince Harry has a lot to be excited about. On Wednesday, he officially completed his 18-month training in flying Apache helicopters and won the prize for best co-gunner pilot.
 Click here for military photos of Prince Harry At the same time, there is a strong possibility he may return to the front lines of Afghanistan. The Prince served in Helmand province for 10 weeks, from late 2007 to early 2008.
If he serves again in the war-torn country, he will be in more danger than before. The Taliban have shot down British aircraft at times, and who’s to say the global media would agree on a blackout during his deployment, as they initially did the first time around?
Last April, His Royal Highness said in an interview that he wouldn’t learn to fly helicopters if he couldn’t serve in the RAF.
“I’d just be taking up a spare place for somebody else if they didn’t have me going out on the job, ” he said.
During a celebratory dinner at RAF Wattisham, Apache Force Commander Col Neale Moss congratulated the new pilots – Prince Harry being one of 20 – describing the training as “extremely challenging”.
“They are assessed continually to ensure that they are up to the challenge of operating one of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world,” he said of the graduates.
“This requires composure, dedication and hard work.”
If the Prince does go back to Afghanistan, it won’t be until later this year.
Sources: BBC, Sky News
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, were at the Sun Military Awards Monday night. It was a night to honor British troops for their service to the United Kingdom.
 Check out more images of the event here William and Harry wore tuxedos, while Catherine looked amazing in a black velvet strapless Alexander McQueen gown. She also wore an impressive necklace that was a wedding gift from a not-yet revealed person.
The trio chatted with servicemen and women at the Imperial War Museum before the actual ceremony. It was then Harry gave a speech where he both praised the troops and talked about his military career. The 27 year old Prince had spent the past several weeks in the United States learning to fly Apache helicopters.
He said: “I am a young Army officer, a serving soldier. Like my brother, I share many of the same hopes, the same aspirations to go on operations, and the same fears as all those who serve our Queen and country.
“By an accident of birth, though, it falls to 564673 Captain Wales humbly to express – on behalf of my comrades-in-arms and people up and down the country – the admiration we feel for the extraordinary men and women we honor here tonight.”
He added: “It’s often said of our armed forces that they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Well, I don’t entirely buy that. Ordinary people don’t run out under withering enemy rocket and heavy machine gunfire to rescue a wounded comrade.
“Ordinary people don’t brave monsoon conditions dangling on a winch line to rescue 13 people, each in turn.
“For that matter, ordinary people don’t put their lives on the line for distant folk, such as the Afghans, who need our help and are now turning their country round because of it.”
Harry also spoke warmly of the families of the troops.
“The strength and courage it must take to see your husband or your wife, your father or mother, son or daughter, head off into the unknown – and to support them doing it – I can hardly even imagine,” he said. “So, to our amazing, brave families, I know I join every single service man and woman in saying from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
The Sun Military Awards, or Millies as Britons call it, were also attended by soccer star David Beckham, along with sons Brooklyn and Cruz, Gordon Ramsay, Jimmy Carr, and Frank Lampard.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg were also there. They held a reception at 10 Downing Street and Clegg said this to the troops: “You shouldn’t just be proud of the servicemen and women with you in your work, and you shouldn’t just be proud on behalf of your families and communities but I hope you do also know that you make the whole nation very, very proud indeed.”
Source: Telegraph, Daily Mail
Britain’s Prince Harry arrived Friday morning in southern California to the Naval Air Facility at El Centro near the Mexican border. He is to be in the States for two months to complete his training in order to be qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot.
 Click here to check out Prince Harry pics at Daylife.com The Prince is one of 20 British military students who will divide their time between El Centro and the Gila Bend Auxiliary Air Force Base in Arizona. They will be trained on firing missiles, rockets and cannons from the Apache, which is used by British forces in Afghanistan.
Harry spent 10 weeks in Afghanistan from December 2007 to February 2008, and he has expressed desire to return to the war torn country.
However, that decision belongs to the Prime Minister. When Harry went to Afghanistan the first time around, there was a media blackout about his deployment until an Australian magazine and the American news website Drudge Report revealed him fighting in Afghanistan.
Until then, the 27 year old Prince is in the U.S., where locals think it will be exciting to get a glimpse of him. Like all the other students, Captain Wales – as he is known – is free to leave the bases during downtown, but locally, he may not have much to do.
“We don’t have places for him to cruise around. He’s going to get bored. I would recommend the mall,” said Jesus Gonzalez, a local resident.
Where Harry could be spotted is Las Vegas. The media will have a field day is the party-loving Prince turned up in Sin City.
“If they want to fund it themselves and that’s what floats their boat, then yes, they can go to Las Vegas,” says the exercise director of the training session British Lt Col Peter Bullen
Sources: Hello!, Telelgraph
Britain’s Prince Harry may be known for his partying ways, but he is also known for his caring side, particularly when it comes to children. Wednesday evening saw him in London giving awards on behalf of WellChild, which His Royal Highness is patron of.
 Click here for more images at Daylife.com With sad irony, Wednesday was also the 14th anniversary of his mother, Princess Diana’s death. It was she who taught Harry and his brother, Prince William, to be compassionate towards others, and that shined through today as the Prince met with seriously ill children and their families.
Among them, Katie Moore’s two daughters, Molly, age 8 and Daisy, age 6. Two years ago, Molly suffered a brain hemorrhage and now uses a wheelchair and is unable to speak, swallow or use most of her body. It is her little sister who has been taking care of Molly since.
According to Katie Moore, Daisy sings songs to her big sister and brings friends around to visit her.
And that is why Daisy got the WellChild award for most caring child.
Before the ceremony, the sisters met with Prince Harry during a reception.
“Daisy didn’t really say much, I think she was too nervous,” said Katie.
“But we talked about how the big sister, little sister roles had changed around, and how it was unusual and how inspirational Daisy is. He was great,” she added of Harry.
The Prince also awarded 6 year old Harley Lane, who lost his hands and feet to meningitis two years ago, and now has prosthetic limbs. Despite this, little Harley has amazed all those around him for being so brave. Even Prince Harry told him was a “hero”.
Another child honored Wednesday was 5 year old Sophie Cooper, who has cerebral palsy. Although unable to talk, she is learning to communicate and Harry spent some time talking to her.
According to St. James’ Palace, it was by coincidence that the WellChild awards ceremony fell on August 31st.
Prince Harry once said this about his mother: “I particularly always wonder what she’d think, what she’d be doing if she was with us now. That’s what keeps us going every day.”
Source: Press Association, Telegraph, Daily Mail
On Wednesday, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, visited the neighborhoods of London that witnessed the riots that tore apart the country nearly two weeks ago. They saw firsthand the damage caused by fires and looting, and met with the people who either lost their homes or business due to the riots.
 View photos of Charles & Camilla in Tottenham here At the Tottenham Green Leisure Centre in North London, Charles and Camilla spoke to the emergency crews that responded to the riot fires, and those who were affected by them. One of the people they met with were Barbara Bereda-Malik, 45, and her husband Omar Malik, 47. Their apartment was above a carpet store before the building burned down.
Speaking of meeting Charles, Mrs Bereda-Malik said: “It was really nice to see him and see they’re concerned about our situation.
“He asked about how we were coping.”
While the royals were visiting London, it was announced that the Prince’s Trust will donate £2.5 million to the areas hardest hit by the riots, including the city of Birmingham, and three London neighborhoods – Tottenham, Croydon, and Hackney.
Prince Charles’ youngest son, Prince Harry, did his part to meet with the riot victims on Friday. He went to Salford near Manchester to meet with the firefighters and police officers who were often attacked. Harry told them that he saw the videos of the attacks on YouTube and asked the cops and firemen how they coped.
 Click here to see Prince Harry in Salford “Harry looked shocked when I told him that most of the unit received some sort of injury. At one point, it was clear they were intent on killing somebody. There was nothing we could do but climb back into our vans and retreat,” said Andy Sheridan.
The emergency crews were pleased that Prince Harry took time to visit them.
“I did not expect royalty to come into my life but it felt like I had met Harry before,” said Ismail Patel, who’s business was destroyed. “He was just a normal person and seemed to genuinely care about what would happen to my business and the consequences for my family. Despite the level of damage, our insurance only covers £25,000.”
Gemma Lloyd, 16, admitted that the Prince was “brave” for walking down the damaged precinct.
There is no word whether newlyweds Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge will take their time to meet with other riot victims.
Source: Press Association, Telegraph
The preparations are done, the rehearsals are complete, and Prince William and Catherine Middleton said their farewells to each other before they see each other again tomorrow at their epic wedding at Westminster Abbey.
While Wednesday was reported to be the final rehearsal at the medieval venue, the truth is that one was final for Prince William. Catherine, on the other hand, had one last run through this morning at the Abbey with soon-to-be brother-in-law Prince Harry and a few of her bridal party.
Afterward, she and Harry rode through the streets of London with the people who are already camped out for their spot along the procession route cheering for her.
Catherine went to Clarence House where she and William said their final good-byes until tomorrow. Then Catherine rode to Goring Hotel, where her family is staying for the night. Looking happy and every bit the princess, she waved to the crowds gathered outside the hotel. That is where the bride will leave for her wedding tomorrow.
To make sure no one sees what her much anticipated wedding dress will look like, a large canopy has been placed over the entrance of Goring Hotel so Catherine could enter the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI transporting her to the Abbey. Then when she steps out, the world will finally see what the bride’s dress will look like.
Also today, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, made a surprise visit to those camped out along The Mall. She told them, “We’re all ready for tomorrow – its wonderful and all very exciting!”
“There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.”
Today, the wedding program was unveiled, featuring the songs to be sung and admitting that no, Catherine will not vow to obey her husband.
The program also had a message from the bride and groom, telling the world a deep heart thank you for their support during the days leading up to the wedding.
Whatever happens tomorrow, it is sure to be a loving, romantic occasion.
I know its early, but…three cheers for William and Catherine!
UPDATE: Hours before his nuptials, Prince William made an impromptu walkabout to greet the crowds waiting along the procession route. The Prince shook hands and posed for pictures. Supposedly, he said he was concerned about the crowd camping out overnight.
Source: Press Association
As the countdown continues, Prince William and Catherine Middleton went over the final touches of their Friday wedding at Westminster Abbey Wednesday.
 Click here for more pics! The couple arrived at the medieval church for a final rehearsal, this time with members of the clergy that will be conducting their wedding. Prince Harry and Catherine’s parents were there.
Already the people of the UK are taking to the streets, setting up camp to secure their place along the wedding procession.
The carriage procession will pass along The Mall, Horse Guards Road, Horse Guards Parade, through Horse Guards Arch, along Whitehall, along the south side of Parliament Square and into Broad Sanctuary.
Also today, one thousand members of the military took part in a full-scale walk-through procession along London’s streets. The RAF also rehearsed their flight over the city.
Tuesday saw trees being put into the Abbey to create a sort of forest-like incarnation for the ceremony. The trees are from Windsor Castle and Sandringham estates, and are six field maples and two hornbeams. The flowers will be colored white, green and cream to showcase Catherine’s love for the country side.
Tomorrow night, William and Catherine will give each one last kiss before they see each other again at their wedding.
 Click here for more Prince Harry photos Britain’s Prince Harry is moving up in the world. On Saturday, it was announced he was promoted to captain in the Army in recognition for his five years of service. In the military, the Prince will be known as Captain Harry Wales.
St. James Palace released a statement saying Harry in an eight month training course in weaponry. The course will take him to Wattisham Airfield, Suffolk, and bases in the United States.
“He will now progress to the Apache ‘conversion to role’ course where he will learn to operate the aircraft and its weapons systems in a variety of challenging operational scenarios,” a spokesman for St. James said.
This promotion means Harry could be eligible to return to Afghanistan in 2012.
He fought there from late 2007 into early 2008 until a media revelation led to him being forced to return to the U.K.
Source: Telegraph
Britain’s Prince Harry is on top of the world – and not because his brother is getting married in one month.
 Click here for more Prince Harry in the Arctic pics He is trekking across the North Pole with wounded soldiers, all in the name of charity for his country’s veteran organizations. The journey will go 200 miles and will last for four weeks.
However, the Prince will only be with the soldiers for the first five days. This way, he would be back in time for brother William’s April 29th wedding. Harry arrived in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago after throwing William’s bachelor party over the weekend.
That meant the Prince didn’t have much time for this trek.
“I haven’t had as much time to train,” he told the Press Association news agency in Longyearbyen, Norway, where he and the soldiers will train for three days. “But today, to their huge amusement, they’re going to see me on a pair of, whatever they’re called, skis, this afternoon. So it should be entertaining for all of us.”
As patron of the Walking With The Wounded charity, Prince Harry – who once spent 10 weeks fighting in Afghanistan – aims to raise £2 million for the organization.
Joining the Prince will are Walking With The Wounded co-founders, Simon Dalglish and Ed Parke, plus four servicemen wounded in Afghanistan: Capt. Martin Hewitt, 30, whose right arm was paralyzed after being shot; Capt. Guy Disney, 29, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade; Pvt. Jaco Van Gass, 24, from South Africa, whose left arm was amputated and Sgt. Stephen Young, 28, whose back was broken when his vehicle was blown up by a makeshift bomb.
The group will be lead by Norwegian polar guide Inge Solheim.
Source: AP
Clarence House this morning announced the wedding party list for Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s April 29th wedding.
 Chris Jackson/Getty Images/FILE William’s brother, Prince Harry, will be his best man while Catherine’s sister, Philippa will be her maid of honor.
The list of the children involved in this wedding party are as follows:
The Lady Louise Windsor – age 7 – daughter of Prince Edward
The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones – age 8 – daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Linley
Miss Grace van Cutsem – age 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh van Cutsem, William’s goddaughter
Miss Eliza Lopes – age 3 – daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lopes, Duchess of Cornwall’s granddaughter
Master William (Billy) Lowther-Pinkerton – age 10 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
Master Tom Pettifer – age 8 – son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pettifer, William’s godson
And yes, there will be two 3 year olds in this wedding party.
The dresses and uniforms of the children will be revealed on April 29th.
Source: Clarence House
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