After Harry recently confirmed reports that he’d be spending time down-under on a secondment with Australian armed forces, the palace has now confirmed that the arrival date will over the Easter weekend!
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Prince Harry will arrive in Australia on Monday 6th April and will travel to Canberra to undertake two public engagements to mark the start of his attachment.”
Before he undertakes his army duties, the ginger-haired Prince, known as Captain Wales in the British armed service, will first visit the Australian War Memorial to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will tour the World War I and Afghanistan Galleries.
After that he will report for duty to the Chief of the Defence Staff and meet senior Army personnel at Duntroon House.
After that Harry will officially commence duties as part of his military secondment, that will last two months spanning April and May.
Speaking at a press briefing today, an Australian Defence Force spokesperson would not confirm specific dates of when he will be in Darwin, Perth and Sydney. It was revealed though that Harry has free time scheduled so there is no doubt we will see him out and about – Harry hunting could become the new national sport!
Prince Harry worked as a Jackaroo in Australia during his gap year after graduating Eton.
Harry recently said in a statement: “Spending time with the Australian Defence Force will be incredible and I know I will learn a lot.”
The two month exchange will also mark the end of Harry’s active military career which has spanned over a decade.
Upon his return to the United Kingdom Harry may become the head of the Queen’s Guard as it has recently been reported that he has been recommended to replace Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank when he retires as Colonel of the Life Guards.
“It is a ceremonial position in which he will represent the Monarch,” a source told the UK’s Sunday Express.
Prince Harry as a teen enjoying his gap year in Australia.
Captain Wales himself has not confirmed anything definite yet, saying in his recent statement: “I am considering the options for the future and I am really excited about the possibilities.”
It is believed though that he will still continue to be involved with the military in an official captivity, if not active duty, such as the Invictus Games event that he championed to celebrate the achievements of servicemen. The inaugural event was held in London last year, with wounded military veterans will competing in Paralympic-style events.
Harry said: “Inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career. Luckily for me, I will continue to wear the uniform and mix with fellow servicemen and women for the rest of my life, helping where I can, and making sure the next few Invictus Games are as amazing as the last.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan during his active tour of duty.
All up, Prince Harry has served nearly a decade in the British Army, initially undergoing training at the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst, before initially serving alongside his brother, Prince William before completing his training as troop leader.
Prince Harry then completed two active tours of duty, serving in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008 and returning for a 20-week deployment with the Army Air Corps in 2012 to 2013.
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