Prince William's honorary army role

Britain's Prince William has been handed his first big British Army role as Regimental Colonel of the Irish Guards.

The honorary title comes just a few months after William, 28, - who already holds honorary ranks in the RAF (Royal Air Force) and Royal Navy - became a qualified RAF search and rescue pilot.

In 2006 he was made Commodore-in-Chief of Scotland and Commodore-in-Chief of Submarines, and two years later was appointed Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby near Lincoln.

Commanding Officer of the Irish Guards Colonel Christopher Ghika said yesterday he was delighted by William's appointment, which has been formally approved by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth.

Speaking from Camp Shorabak in Helmand -where the unit are currently serving - he told Britain's Daily Mirror: "This is really good news for all of us.

"We are deeply honoured Prince William has agreed to be our Regimental Colonel, especially as the news comes whilst we are in the middle of our operational tour in Afghanistan.

"We are very proud of the appointment as will be those families of our soldiers who are at home and who will no doubt be extremely pleased to hear the news. Often the most difficult role played is that of the families back in the UK and any news that acknowledges that kind of support - like this appointment - is very much welcome."

The post was previously held by Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts.