William is top brass

Sep 27, 2006, 14:55 GMT

Britain's Prince William is one of the favourites to win this year's Sandhurst Military Academy's prestigious Sword of Honour prize.

The award is given annually to the most impressive performer from each year of trainees and William is being hotly tipped to win it.

The 24-year-old prince showed impressive physical stamina earlier this week, when he took part in a gruelling eight-mile trek.

William and the rest of his platoon carried an SA800 rifle and a backpack weighing 66 pounds during the training exercise, which began at 7.30am and took almost two hours to complete.

The endurance test was so tough that 30 cadets dropped out but the 24-year-old prince was among a small group of the fittest members ordered to encourage the struggling trainees who remained.

The prince's chances of winning the Sword of Honour have been revealed just days after he announced his future plans.

After passing out from Sandhurst, William will join his younger brother Harry in the Household Cavalry's Blues And Royals regiment, before spending time training with both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

(C) BANG Media International