Prince William on Army manoeuvres this week.

Spare a thought for Prince William, the Soldier Prince currently undergoing gruelling training at Sandhurst Military Academy.

By now he will have finished a bone-wearying 40-mile yomp through the snowy Black Mountains of Wales in temperatures of minus 10 celsius. Carrying a heavy kitbag and sleeping out of doors, the Prince was one of 300 recruits who started the trek on Wednesday night. Up to one-third will have dropped out by the end.

The latest information is that, 24-hours in, William looked utterly exhausted and near-frozen but, despite occasional halts, pushed himself almost to the limits of his endurance.

Operation Long Reach is part test of stamina and part initiative assessment. It requires cadets to navigate between nine checkpoints and demonstrate leadership qualities under stress.

It must be particularly hard for William who, as future King, will be head of the Armed Forces one day. Memories of Prince Edward’s failure in the Marines will be particularly poignant, as will the gritty success of younger brother Prince Harry.

As I write, the Prince will be recovering from his ordeal. He has clearly deserved a hilarious weekend in the company of court jester, Guy Pelly, and the less tempestuous Kate Middleton.