PRINCE Harry is to be promoted to captain after serving just under five years in the Army - in a move that could help cement his relationship with Chelsy Davy. Friends say his additional responsibilities could prompt the sometimes wayward Royal to curb his partying and consider settling down with his on-off girlfriend of five years. A source said: 'Harry will be made a captain around May, and it will be a real turning point for him. Harrys promotion from lieutenant is in line with his length of service rather than on merit, Army sources said Saturday night. The Prince entered Sandhurst in May 2005 and normally would have been expected to become a captain after six years, in 2011. But the war in Afghanistan means his promotion will come slightly earlier, to fill gaps left by men in his regiment, the Blues and Royals, who have deployed to the front line. Harry is likely to become an acting captain in May before being 'made up to full captain. Promotion would mean a 5,000 rise to 37,000-a-year, increasing later to 44,000 - although the 8m fortune Harry was left by his mother means he wont be too concerned by the extra salary. DM Significantly, it will bring 25-year-old Harry to the equivalent rank of his elder brother Prince William, a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF, levelling the scores in their sibling rivalry. Friends joke that their competitive spirit could drive Harry to announce his engagement first, too. Harry is expected to start training soon to be an Apache attack helicopter pilot, which might also benefit his relationship with Chelsy. He has expressed his desire to fly on the front line - following his stint as a forward air controller in Afghanistan two years ago - and the training would take place at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, closer to Chelsys London home. Zimbabwean-born Chelsy, 24, will also be ready to settle down once she returns from travelling the world this year. She is due to start work as a trainee at City law firm Allen & Overy in September, where she is expected to earn about 46,000. A source said: 'Harry is thrilled that he will be just an hour away from Chelsy when hes at Middle Wallop. He already spends a lot of time at her flat in Belgravias Eaton Square. 'Harrys got most of the partying out of his system and when Chelsy returns from her travels, she will also be ready to cut out her wild nights to focus on her career. 'They have thrashed out their differences, stopped their mad blow-outs and are looking forward to spending their lives together. Later this month, Harry will fly to Barbados to play polo. Chelsy hopes to join him ahead of her planned trips. The couple intend to reunite in the summer for the World Cup in South Africa, where Chelsy grew up. A source added: 'Friends have joked that Harry and Chelsy will make an engagement announcement before William and Kate at this rate. 'Kate and William are taking so long to announce their plans, but Harry and Chelsy have sorted through their differences and are ready to settle down together. 'Friends are joking that they will pip them to the post, even though they know that wont really happen. 'The boys are very competitive and the news of Harry becoming captain will no doubt ignite rivalry between them. DM