April 30, 2008 Prince William's secret visit to Afghanistan Play video

(NECN/ABC) - In Britain, another royal secret has been revealed. On Monday, Prince William made a surprise visit to British troops in Afghanistan. His brother, Prince Harry, served 10 weeks in Afghanistan, essentially under cover, until a media blackout fell apart.

Prince William's father, Prince Charles, was the one to award him his pilot wings earlier this month, but the only battleground he's faced has been keeping his longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton, safe from the paparazzi.

Until now, he didn't see military action, but he did visit British troops in Khandahar on Monday for three hours. The prince is getting to know the military that he is expected to one day lead. But, he's being criticized for making the trip to make up for bad judgment. Last week he landed his Chinook helicopter in his girlfriend's parent's backyard -- much to their reported delight.

After Prince Harry returned from his own 10-week deployment to Afghanistan, Prince William used a Chinook helicopter to take him to a bachelor party. British troops have complained about a shortage of Chinook helicopters on the front lines. Just 10 are available to commanders there.

Next, Prince William joins the British Navy to learn more, but by next January he will leave the Army to become a full-time working royal.

ABC's Gloria Riviera has more.