London, Sept 22: Prince Harry has passed an admissions test at the elite Sandhurst Military Academy in Southern England, but may wait up to two years before starting his training, royal aides said today. Harry, 19, who is third in line to the throne of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, will spend the next 12 months in Australia, a so-called "gap year" between leaving school and embarking on further studies.

Clarence house said Harry had achieved a category 1, or top, pass on the Sandhurst admissions test "and is hoping to start training (there) in the next two years." Before entering Sandhurst, he still must pass a full selection board. Harry has just passed his final school exams, or A-levels, at prestigious Eton College. His B in Art and D in Geography were considered unimpressive but army chiefs are said to have been taken with the way he led Eton's Cadet Corps.

Royal aides say the prince will arrive in Sydney early tomorrow for a structured program of work activities, but will also indulge his passion for polo and rugby.

Charles once commanded a navy minesweeper and his father, Prince Philip, a decorated naval officer, remains honorary Captain General of the marines. Charles' brother Andrew is a senior navy officer who copiloted helicopters during the 1982 Falklands war with Argentina. Another brother, Edward, quit the royal marines in 1987 after finding the training too tough.

Bureau Report