Prince William to join brother Harry at Army Academy

Britain's future ruler Prince William will be signing up for the Army and follow younger brother Prince Harry into Sandhurst.

The 23-year-old royal is expected to join in January the Elite Military Academy where Prince Harry is already training to be an officer.

William said he was "absolutely delighted" after learning he had passed Sandhurst's regular commissions board selection tests.

The second-in-line to the British throne will become the most senior royal in recent history to train at the Prestigious College in Camberley, Surrey.

The two Officer Cadet Waleses are expected to overlap for three months with Harry due to finish in April. However, both will be based in different parts of the college - William with new recruits in old college and Harry in new college, where cadets are taught in the second and third term.

Prince Charles congratulated his eldest son, who will one day take on the role of head of armed forces when he becomes king.

"They're absolutely thrilled for him. His father's very proud," a spokesman for Prince Charles said.

William will endure a tough breaking-in period designed to change him from civilian to soldier when he begins his training.

In the first five weeks of the 44-week course, new recruits are totally immersed in army life.