London, Jan 16 : Speculation is rife that short-sighted Prince William may have exploited a loophole to fulfil his dream of being an RAF pilot, for which only people with perfect 20/20 vision can apply.

The 26-year-old royal was spotted in a pair of shatter-proof specs as he began his helicopter pilot's training.

According to some, the prince, who faces being nicknamed Four Eyes by RAF pals, got round the rule because he was a serving Household Cavalry officer.

RAF chiefs are allowed to consider applications from Army and Navy personnel on a case-by-case basis.

Wills, now known as Flight Lieutenant Wales, will undergo 800,000-pounds-worth of training over the next two years to become a member of the RAF's elite search and rescue team.

"Prince William set his heart on becoming a pilot when he was a boy. He's earned his place on the course because he went through Sandhurst like any other Army officer. He has already shown he has the natural skills that should make him an exceptional pilot," the Sun quoted a source at RAF Shawbury, Shrops, as saying.

The RAF confessed that the prince used the loophole to join up, but insisted no rules had been broken.

A spokeswoman said the prince had a full medical, including a thorough eyesight test, when he applied.

"When corrected, his eyesight meets the standard required for a search and rescue pilot," she added. (ANI)