Chopper Pilot Prince Harry Promoted to Captain in the British Army

Brother to betrothed Prince William received the honor Thursday for his time served in the armed forces, along with another special recognition

By Brandi Fowler Apr 16, 2011 11:25 PMTags
Prince William, Prince HarryDanny Martindale/WireImage

The good news just keeps rolling in for Prince Harry.

Following his reprieve from a stranded stint in the arctic, the young royal is adding a new title to his repertoire (in addition to best man): Captain in the British Army.

Prince Harry, a former lieutenant, received the promotion Thursday in honor of the time he's served in the Armed Forces. He also qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot the same day, according to royal officials.  

So what does that mean exactly?

The 26-year-old Brit is qualified to fly an Apache helicopter without an instructor, and will now move on to a rigorous eight-month weapons handling course in order to become a full-functioning Army Air Corps pilot.

Prince Harry getting his pilot qualification was no easy task, however.

His first eighth-month course, which qualified him for the Apache Badge, included day and night flying, ground school training, complex simulator training and mountain flying exercises in the French Alps.

Congrats to Captain Harry Wales!