Friday, May 7, 2010

Air corps blimey! Chelsy Davy looks simply stunning in trendy cream dress as Prince Harry gets his helicopter wings

By Daily Mail Reporter

Thrilled: Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy look happy after his graduation ceremony at the Museum of Army Middle Wallop in Strockbridge, Hampshire


A beaming Chelsy Davy proudly watched her boyfriend Prince Harry graduate from his Army helicopter training course today.

Looking smart in a cream babydoll dress and matching blazer, the trainee lawyer lovingly watched the 25-year-old receive his provisional wings from his father, the Prince of Wales.

Prince Harry is now set to become an Apache attack helicopter pilot and could find himself returning to frontline duty in the role.


Accepting his wings from his dad, Prince Harry broke army protocol and put his hand out to shake his father's at the Museum of Army Middle Wallop in Strockbridge, Hampshire.

However, as a junior officer, he must wait until Prince Charles offers his hand first.

Being in the unusual situation of being related to the senior officer, Prince Charles jokingly told off Harry for breaking the rules and told him he was supposed to go first.

Army Air Corps commanders judged his flying skills and ability were best suited to the military aircraft which is one of the most advanced in the world.

Davy, 24, sat next to Princess Diana’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Harry’s other aunt, Lady Jane Fellowes, in the third row back during the presentation


Smart: The trainee lawyer looked smart in a cream dress and blazer


One of the family: Davy was seen laughing and joking with Prince Harry's relatives


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.'


Breaking protocol: Prince Harry made an error when he offered his hand to a senior officer, who happened to be his father Prince Charles


Oops: Prince Harry laughs after being told off by his father for offering his hand first


Supportive: Prince Harry's stepmother Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall also attended in a wheelchair


A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'Prince Harry has been selected to train on the Apache attack helicopter following the successful completion of his Army pilot's course.

'The decision has been taken by Army Air Corps (AAC) commanders who judged that Prince Harry's skills and flying abilities best suited the Apache helicopter.'

After completing his course last week, the Prince was given the choice of training to fly Lynx or Apache helicopters, with Harry opting for the Apache.




An Apache Attack Helicopter based at the School of Army Aviation, Hampshire


His preference was taken into consideration when commanders sat down to make their final decision.

UK 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 he has made no secret of his wish to return.

The Prince, 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.

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

Speaking last June about his flying training, he said: 'I'm really enjoying it and, as everyone knows, it's my easiest way of getting back to the frontline. Maybe safer, maybe not, I don't know.'

He added: 'To get out to Afghanistan again would be fantastic and my best chance is to do it from a helicopter.'

The presentation ceremony is taking place at the AAC's Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, Hampshire and will also see other military students receive their flying awards from Charles.

Harry 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.


Prince Harry learning the ropes on his basic helicopter training course


source: dailymail