The press has been after a picture of Prince William at Sandhurst Military Academy “to see how bald he is”. His army haircut has been the subject of much speculation since the Prince entered Sandhurst early in the new year.

Now, a picture has emerged, brought to you by Royal Anecdotes thanks to the good offices of Fleet Street. The picture looks like a cameraphone effort, probably by a fellow officer. Indeed, the Prince has a distinct “it’s a fair cop, guv” grin on his face.

So how bad is it? Well, it’s not skinhead or Buddhist monk bad. Wills’s female following may well reflect that it makes him look more mature, as a future King should. On the other hand …

His friends have already nicknamed him His Royal Hairless. Whatever, he appears to have made quite an impression so far, showing “outstanding leadership qualities”.

His one problem with the gruelling regime has been the daily dawn starts, which often see him tired and dispirited. After his first official exercise in Ashdown Forest last week, another cadet described him as “pale, shattered and totally knackered”.

On a recent night mission, William was said to have wandered completely off course, so exhausted and disorientated was he.

A Sandhurst source is reported to have said: “Everyone here was keen to see whether William was up to the challenge but it is fair to say he hasn’t done too badly.”

How does he compare with that other Royal recruit, Prince Harry, now in his final term? “He’s a lot posher than Harry, who has a real gung-ho attitude to the Army. I can’t ever see William being one of the lads.

“When he first donned his uniform people would laugh behind his back because he looked so uncomfortable — his beret didn’t fit properly and looked like a deflated balloon balancing on his head.

“But he’s a pretty smart bloke and although it’s very clear that he only sees this as a stepping stone before he goes on to greater things, he has got what it takes to inspire his men.”

Prince William graduates in December before following his father, Prince Charles, and grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, into the Welsh Guards.