the challenge of operating one the of the most sophisticated attack helicopters in the world,” according to a press release issued by the ministry.

Harry’s award was one of only two given at the end of the training course and honored the student whose “overall performance during the course is assessed as the best amongst their peer group,” the ministry noted.

U.K. tabloid The Sun broke news last month that the 18-month training program included Harry -- known for his mischievous personality and penchant for good times -- being hooded and threatened in intense hostage training to prepare him for a possible return to Afghanistan.

The prince, who entered the military in May 2005, first served in Afghanistan with the Household Cavalry of Britain’s Army Air Corps in 2008, but waswas conducted in the United States, where his short stay grabbed headlines late last year.

The prince completed a two-month helicopter training program in California and Arizona, where he tested missiles and rockets in the desert, a location meant to simulate the scorching aridity of Afghanistan.

During his time off in the States, Harry also managed to sightsee in Los Angeles and try his luck in Las Vegas, where he reportedly gambled, took in a show and was spotted chatting with ladies and sipping cocktails at a nightclub.

The prince will now join his fellow soldiers in being assigned to squadrons in the Apache Force of the 16 Air Assault Brigade, the largest brigade in the British army, with more than 7,400 soldiers, according to information released by the Defense Ministry.

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