SHAWBURY (England) - BRITAIN'S Prince William has hinted he would like to follow in the army-booted footsteps of his younger brother and fight on the front line.

But, as the future king, it's unlikely Prince William would be exposed to the dangers faced by Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan.

'I still remain hopeful there's a chance,' Prince William, who is currently training to fly search-and-rescue helicopters, told reporters.

'I think as a future leader of the armed forces, it's really important you at least get the opportunity to be credible and to do the job I signed up for, as best I can. That's all I want to do.

'The search and rescue role is now slightly different to obviously being able to go to Afghanistan, but it's still doing an important job.'

Prince Harry, 24, known in the military as Lt Henry Wales, is taking the same flight training program completed by his 26-year-old brother.

Maj Zog Zvegintzov, the commanding officer of the defence helicopter flying school in Shawbury, western England, has declined to say what role the younger prince would eventually have.

'We're both here just doing our bit, trying to become helicopter pilots,' Prince Harry said.

'We're having a fantastic time. Yes, it's hard work, but everything is hard work.' -- AP