Prince William's a Natural Leader, Navy Superior Says

07/10/2008 at 08:25 AM EDT

He may be the future king of England, but Prince William has no trouble getting his hands dirty as an officer of the British navy.

The 26-year-old heir to the throne, known officially as Sub-Lieutenant William Wales, has already taken part in a multimillion-dollar drug bust and helped coordinate vital rescue exercises in the Caribbean after only a couple of weeks on board the HMS Iron Duke, according to British Press Association.

What's more, the young officer is proving that he's got what it takes to be a leader of men, according to his superior officers.

"He understands instinctively the business of command," the ship's captain, Commander Mark Newland, says. "Being sent away with a small group to lead and conduct a particular task – that, to him, is second nature."