Parachuting Prince

Mar 6, 2006, 18:33 GMT

Britain's Prince William wants to take up parachuting as part of his army preparation.

The 23-year-old, who is training to become an officer at Sandhurst Military Academy, must choose a dangerous sport for a week-long adventure course.

He chose parachuting above caving, sailing, diving, trekking, mountaineering, climbing and skiing - which were also offered.

A source is quoted in Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: 'William is tempted by the parachute course at RAF Brize Norton.'

The prince will take the week long course after completing his first term at the military training school.

Meanwhile, William has passed SAS pre-election tests - but a source says he won't be allowed to join the specialist regiment.

The handsome royal has passed a number of challenges for the elite Special Air Services.

The tests included a gruelling cross-country exercise in Wales, which saw the prince and his fellow cadets marching across the hilly terrain of the Brecon Beacons for nearly 60 hours.

William was one of the few cadets to complete the exhausting trek. He also completed several other military exercises to qualify for further SAS training.

A Sandhurst source told Britain's News of The World newspaper: 'Not everyone was selected. Just the fittest and the best.

'William got through it because of his extraordinary level of fitness.'

Despite William's success, a family friend has said it is unlikely he would be able to enter the unit. The source claimed: 'He would never be allowed to join the SAS.'

Copyright 2006 BANG Media International