Army career for Prince Harry

Prince Harry could join the Army next January

Prince Harry is planning to embark on a career in the Army at the start of next year, it has been announced.

Clarence House said Harry would take entry exams for Sandhurst military academy and, if he is successful, join fellow cadets there in January 2005.

Before that, the prince, 19, will undertake voluntary work for the Rugby Football Union (RFU), English rugby's governing body has said.

He will help to coach young people and promote the game, the RFU said.

Gap year

The prince, who has been spending his gap year travelling and working in southern Africa, will sit entrance exams for the Royal Military Academy in July.

The Regular Commissions Board exams consist of a three-day course of written, oral and physical tests.

Harry could become the latest in a long line of military royals, which includes his father, Prince Charles.

No decision has yet been taken as to which regiment Harry might join, a royal spokeswoman said.

We hope that his involvement will further raise the profile of the game RFU president Robert Horner

The RFU said Harry would spend the summer training to become an assistant Rugby Development Officer for young people in the UK.

The governing body has allowed him to join its 45 Rugby Development Officers (RDOs), who provide coaching to clubs, schools and communities throughout England.

Keen fan

He will work as a voluntary assistant development officer for young people.

Responsibilities will include promoting the game in England, improving playing and coaching standards and increasing participation in the game.

The prince is a keen rugby fan and was among the crowd when the England team won the World Cup in Australia in November last year.

RFU president Robert Horner said: "It is an honour for the RFU to have Prince Harry working with us.

"It is the first time a member of the Royal Family has included the RFU in their gap year and we hope that his involvement will further raise the profile of the game.

"Her Majesty the Queen is our patron and the Royal Family's connection with the sport is one we are very proud of."