Prince William graduates from military academy

Prince William, second in line to the throne,graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Friday and will enter the same army unit as his younger brother.

The Queen reviewed the parade of graduating officer cadets, prompting a smile from her 24-year-old grandson as she walked by.

William's grandfather, Prince Philip, also attended the "passing out" ceremony, as did his father Prince Charles, accompanied bywife Camilla, and the young prince's longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton.William's mother is the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Dressed in a red coat and hat, the Queen told the cadets a great deal will be expected of them.

"You must be courageous yet selfless, leaders yet carers, confident yet considerate," said the Queen, who turned 80 earlier this year.

"You must be all these things in some of the most challenging environments around the world so that men and women will willingly follow your lead into every possible situation with absolute trust in your judgment."

Same regiment as Prince Harry

William, who will officially be awarded the title of secondlieutenant at midnight Friday,will join the Blues and Royals alongside his brother Prince Harry, who graduated from the prestigious academy earlier this year.

A regiment of the Household Cavalry, the unit has seen action in Bosnia and Kosovo. While the brothers have indicated they are willing to fight, it isunlikelyWilliam, as thefuture monarch,would see front-line action in a conflict zone.

William will now spend four months training to be a reconnaissance troop commander, a course his brother has already completed.

With an armoured car, three light tanks and11 men under his command, William will spend about one year in the army, said royal watcher Richard Fitzwilliams. He will also complete stints in the British navy and air force to prepare him for his future role as king.

Engagement speculation

Middleton, also dressed in a red coat and large black hat, smiled as she watched the prince graduate.

The couple's relationship has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks after British department store Woolworths commissioned a series of William-and-Kate engagement souvenirs, including mugs and plates.

Middleton, also 24, is expected to spend some of the holidays with the royals. There has been intense speculationWilliam could propose during that period.

The pair met in 2001 while students at Scotland's University of St. Andrews.