""Don ~~ Is Prince William still a Pilot Officer? He was wearing a Flight Lieutenant's insignia on Monday. Prince Harry appeared now to be a Captain. But they did indeed start off at lowest commissioned rank, like any other newly passed-out officer.""

You may well be right Mike, as I haven't checked, but the point is that they are earning their rank, just as any other officer candidate does after graduating at the lowest rank, not being handed it on a plate because of their royal connections.

The army, Navy and Air Force are not going to promote a dunce to a position in which he can kill other personnel.

The number of pilots who can even qualify to fly military helicopters is very small indeed. It requires very specific skills which are uncommon.

It should be obvious to the meanest intellect that the only royals who are accorded ranks for which they may not be fully qualified are the Monarch and the Consort, along with a few of the highest ranking peers.

The ranks accorded are honorary and do not involve commanding military personnel, as should also be blindingly obvious.

Don T.