Prince Charles moves up the ranks on 58th birthday

LONDON, Nov 14 (Reuters) Britain's Prince Charles received an extra treat for his 58th birthday today with a promotion to four-star rank in all three services of the military.

The heir to the British throne, who was due to celebrate his birthday privately today evening with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, will now be a navy admiral, an army general and an air chief marshal, the Ministry of Defence said.

''We are promoting him to keep him in step with individuals who are his peers in the armed forces,'' a defence ministry spokesman told Reuters.

Charles had only a short active military career that ended 30 years ago.

He joined the Royal Air Force in March 1971. Later that year the prince moved to the Navy, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and both great-grandfathers.

In February 1976, Charles took command of the coastal minehunter, HMS Bronington, for his last nine months.

Charles was made a navy captain and RAF group captain for his 40th birthday, given two-star rank for his 50th and was last promoted four years ago, the Guardian newspaper reported.

His sons Princes William and Harry are both in the Army.

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