August 01, 2008	Friday	Rajab 28, 1429

LONDON, July 31: Britain’s Prince William is to complete his series of military secondments later this year as part of his preparations for future duties as king, royal officials said on Thursday.

William, who is second in line to the throne, will work with the head of Britain’s armed forces in the defence ministry, conduct non-operational visits to special forces and a non-operational attachment to the Army Air Corps.

The 26-year-old is a second lieutenant in the Blues and Royals regiment of the British Army’s Household Cavalry regiment and a troop commander in charge of armoured Scimitar vehicles.

He has already completed attachments with the Royal Air Force, where he learned to fly, and most recently the Royal Navy, where he was involved in drugs bust operations in the Caribbean.

“Prince William is to undertake a final series of military secondments in the autumn,” said a statement from Clarence House, his father Prince Charles’ official London residence, which handles his affairs.

“This will complete his year of familiarisation with the capability, organisation, equipment and ethos of Britain’s armed forces.” Cornet William Wales is to work closely with the central staff at the Ministry of Defence.—AFP