Prince wins 'wings'... Now it's advanced helicopter training

The proud prince was one of eight training pilots to receive their provisional wings from the Prince of Wales at a ceremony to mark their graduation from the Army helicopter training course.

Among those watching Prince Harry's graduation ceremony was Chelsy Davy, confirming rumours that their on-off relationship was now back on.

Shortly before the presentation it emerged that the 25 year-old Prince was to train as an Apache attack helicopter pilot.

Army Air Corps (AAC) commanders judged his flying skills were best suited to the military aircraft – one of the most advanced in the world.

Prince Harry said: "It is a huge honour to have the chance to train on the Apache, which is an awesome helicopter. There is still a huge mountain for me to climb if I am to pass the Apache training course.

"To be honest, I think it will be one of the biggest challenges in my life so far. I am very determined, though, as I do not want to let down people who have shown faith in my ability to fly this aircraft on operations. It is a seriously daunting prospect but I can't wait."

British forces in Afghanistan's Helmand Province have employed the Apache to hunt and kill Taliban fighters, gather intelligence and provide cover for larger Chinook helicopters transporting troops and vital supplies.

Lieutenant Harry Wales served in Helmand as a forward air controller directing air strikes for 10 weeks in 2007/08 and has made no secret of his wish to return.

The Prince, who was an officer with the Household Cavalry Regiment, changed the direction of his military career and became a pilot to increase his chances of being re-deployed to the country.

He began his flying training with the AAC in January last year and has been working hard to complete the course.

Yesterday's presentation ceremony took place at the AAC's Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

Before the presentation the soldiers were inspected by the Prince of Wales and as he reached his son, Prince Harry held out his hand for a handshake – breaking military protocol.

Prince Charles did not take his hand and shook his head slightly at his son to tell him he had made an error.

"You are looking very smart if I may say so," he added.

During the ceremony, several awards were handed out and Chelsy cheered loudly when Prince Harry's name was called out for the Peter Adams Trophy – a prize for the best tactical ability during operational training phase.

The Prince will begin the Apache training course in July at the AAC's flying school at Middle Wallop, where he will be based for eight months.

He will then spend a similar period under instruction with one of the Apache regiments based at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk.

His wings will be confirmed once he has completed his training.

Meanwhile yesterday, the bodies of three British soldiers killed in Afghanistan were brought home amid emotional scenes.

Mourners clad in black and clutching floral tributes wept as the coffins were driven through the town of Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire.

Their bodies had earlier been flown into RAF Lyneham.

Corporal Harvey Holmes, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, and Sapper Daryn Roy, of 21 Engineer Regiment, died in explosions earlier this week.

Lance Corporal Barry Buxton, also of 21 Engineer Regiment, died in a road accident.