Prince Harry is reportedly set to leave the armed forces later this year and spend significant time in Australia and New Zealand in the process.
Prince Harry, 30, who currently holds the military title of Captain Harry Wales, is reportedly leaving the military in favour of more pacifist pursuits, reportedly to work in the areas of “conservation and wildlife,” while living abroad.
The reports surfaced via London’s Evening Standard newspaper who reports that Prince’s new plans include spending “a significant period abroad,” – not least in Australia.
Before he finishes up his time with the Army, where he has served two active tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot, Harry will reportedly move down-under for several weeks as he is seconded with military units here.
After that Harry will reportedly spend time in New Zealand, but won’t be involved in military work there.
Prince Harry also spent a significant portion of his gap year in Australia as a teen before joining the army. The Prince reportedly enjoyed his time working as a Jackaroo on a cattle station in Tooloombilla, Australia.
Prince Harry worked as a Jackaroo in Australia during his gap year after graduating Eton.
A senior source told the Evening Standard: “The Prince thought long and hard about his decision to leave active military service but, having served his country on two tours of duty, he felt the time was right to leave. He has loved his time serving.”
“Officials are still working on the precise timings but he will leave the military this year after serving Down Under. Before that he will travel to both countries and be based there and is very much looking forward to that.”
Prince Harry as a teen enjoying his gap year in Australia.
Prince Harry will reportedly also spend time in Africa working on field projects there as part of his charity commitments.
Harry’s new pursuits could potentially kick off quite soon too with the Prince joining his father Prince Charles in Gallipolli in April at the 100th anniversary Anzac Day dawn service. It’s believed that he will have already spent time in Australia before flying to that engagement in Turkey.
A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed that while Harry is still in the military, his focus has shifted from active field work to follow-up with injured soldiers – such as his involvement with the Invictus Games, a four day event which was held in London last year, where wounded military veterans compete in Paralympic-style events.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan during his active tour of duty.
The spokesman said: “Prince Harry is currently focused on his work supporting the Ministry of Defence’s recovery capability programme to ensure those who are wounded, injured or sick have appropriate recovery plans and the necessary support they require.
“It’s a natural progression from the work he did organising the Invictus Games. This involves working alongside case officers in London District’s personal recovery unit and visiting various recovery centres and partner agencies (such as forces charities and the NHS) around the country.”
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.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan during his first active tour of duty.
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