Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Future king Prince William is joining the Army, starting his officer training at the elite military college Sandhurst.

The second in line to the throne will be among more than 270 new recruits ordered to turn up at the site in Camberley, Surrey, ready for a life in the forces.

William, 23, who will be accompanied by his father the Prince of Wales, is following in the footsteps of younger brother Prince Harry, who is about to begin his third and final term at Sandhurst.

William must bring with him his own ironing board, as well as his uniforms, gym wear and his heavy black military boots.

He is also facing the prospect of an Army-style haircut, which would expose the extent of his premature baldness.

Former Sandhurst recruits recommend turning up with a neat short back and sides, but officer cadets are also treated to a haircut on site. Harry was reportedly berated by a sergeant for leaning against a wall while waiting for his.

The media pack allowed into the grounds will be significantly smaller than when Harry started.

William has just returned from a skiing break with girlfriend Kate Middleton in Switzerland, where he was photographed kissing her in public for the first time.

The pair are now facing more than a month apart, meaning William will miss Kate's 24th birthday.

Like all other new officer cadets, he is banned from leaving the site for the first five weeks of his gruelling training.

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