Elspeth A. Lodge

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As Prince Harry embarks on the final stage of his training as an Apache helicopter pilot in the U.S. this weekend, he already has the full consent for his deployment to Afghanistan from the Queen and from Prince Charles. So, unless the Prime Minister, David Cameron, objects, the prince will be deployed with his squadron late next year, sources report.

Prince Harry– or Captain Harry Wales– will arrive in the U.S. this weekend to begin Exercise Crimson Eagle, the final stage in his Conversion to Role Course, reports the Telegraph.

In the course Harry will learn to adapt to the unique demands of flying Apaches, having already qualified as a helicopter pilot. He will be preparing for combat operations in Afghanistan in Arizona and California, by taking part in environmental training, live firing and tactical exercises at the military base.

The Army’s Apache force will be based at Naval Air Facility El Centro, reports the Telegraph:

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It’s official, the Duchess of Cambridge is a patron of the Foundation of Prince William and Harry, which was founded in 2009 as a way to raise funds for the princes favorite charities.

Kate’s move from a supporting role in the foundation to an official one took place on September 29, when she was formally acknowledged by the board of trustees as a patron.

“The move from a supporting role to an official one was something of a formality, with Kate joining the princes in utilizing the foundation ‘as their main charitable vehicle but in the way that it will be grant-giving rather than anything else,’ “a palace source told PEOPLE.

The event occurred directly after William and Kate attended the opening of a children’s cancer unit at the Royal Marsden hospital:

“…she joined the princes at a special reception back at St. James’s Palace,” reports PEOPLE. “There, the trio thanked those who had helped the grant-giving body through the year and met some potential new donors to the cause. And it was at the party that her formal involvement was announced. The decision had been made earlier in the day by the trustees.”

It is likely the charity will be renamed to include Kate, now that she is officially a part of the royal foundation, a palace source has revealed.