Prince Harry's 'beerless Annus Horribilis to pursue chopper pilot dreams'

London, December 23 (ANI): Prince Harry, who is honing his flying skills to become a pilot of the meanest attack machine in the British Army, will reportedly have to bear his own version of Annus Horribilis, 'a horrible year' - by giving up alcohol for a year.

The third in line to the throne, well known for his party lifestyle, is said to be required, like his counterparts, to follow the Army's strict rules for Apache's learner pilots that includes staying away from the bottle for months at a time.

The soldier prince, who is reportedly keen on making a comeback on the frontline after having being pulled out from the Afghan War, would be banned from drinking 12 hours before every flight.

"Harry is aware the real work starts here. If he wants to make the grade as a pilot he must make sacrifices. Helicopters and alcohol don't mix, so one of the first things he will have to do is give up the booze," the Sun quoted a source at the Army Air Corps base in Middle Wallop, Hants, as saying.

The royal has been training to pass a rigorous two-and-a-half year programme that tests learner's aptitude to handle the 35 million pound attack helicopter. (ANI)