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Saying “most good things come to an end,” Britain’s Prince Harry confirmed that he will leave the armed forces, calling the move a “really tough decision” and adding that he’s looking forward to a new chapter in his life.
In a statement released today, Harry – who is known as Captain Wales in the military – said he considered himself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do “some very challenging jobs” and met “many fantastic people in the process.”
“From learning the hard way to stay onside with my Colour Sergeant at Sandhurst, to the incredible people I served with during two tours in Afghanistan - the experiences I have had over the last 10 years will stay with me for the rest of my life. For that I will always be hugely grateful,” Harry said.
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Harry said he will continue to wear his 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.”
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded and sick male and female veterans from several nations. The inaugural games were held last year in London.
Harry is heading to Australia next month, where he will spend four weeks in April and May as part of an exchange program with the Australian Defense Force.
“So while I am finishing one part of my life, I am getting straight into a new chapter. I am really looking forward to it,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, chief of the ADF, welcomed the news.
“We have prepared a challenging program that will see Captain Wales deploy on urban and field training exercises, domestic deployments, as well as participate in Indigenous engagement activities” and observe the ADF’s work to support wounded, injured and ill members, Binskin said in a statement today.
Binskin added that the prince’s time with the Australian Army would be an extension of his regular duties with the British armed forces.
“It is also an opportunity for Australian Army personnel to learn from their British counterpart and I know our Diggers will welcome Captain Wales into the ranks when he arrives in Australia next month," he said.
Advocacy on behalf of wounded, injured and ill troops has been a key component of Harry’s public outreach.
During his attachment to the Australian Army, he will accompany his father, Charles, the Prince of Wales, to the Gallipoli commemorations in Turkey at the end of April. In May, Harry will take an official tour of New Zealand, according to Britain’s Royal Communications office.
Harry’s operational service with the Armed Forces ends in June, after which the prince will perform volunteer work alongside conservation experts in Africa, the office said in a statement. He plans to focus on learning how local communities in sub-Saharan African work to protect and conserve wildlife and natural resources.
In the fall, Harry will return to volunteer work with the Ministry of Defence’s Recovery Capability Programme while considering other long-term opportunities. He will also continue to support the work of the queen and the royal family with official domestic and international engagements as well as his charitable responsibilities.
Gen. Sir Nicholas Carter, who holds the rank of chief of the General Staff – the head of the British Army -- praised Harry's military career.
“Captain Harry Wales, as he is known affectionately in the Army, has achieved much in his ten years as a soldier. He has been at the forefront throughout his service. He has insisted on being treated the same as his peers … We wish him the very best for the future, we thank him for his service, and we look forward to his continuing involvement with his regiments and with our wounded," he said.
Harry, the fourth-in-line to the British throne, joined the British Army in May 2005 and rose to the rank of Apache helicopter commander. The British Defense Ministry named Harry the best front-seat pilot, or co-pilot gunner, in February 2012 from his class of more than 20 fellow Apache helicopter pilots.
He served as a forward air controller in Afghanistan in 2007 to 2008. He returned to the U.K. when his cover was blown. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant with the Household Cavalry in 2008, and began training as an Army Air Corps pilot in January 2009. In July 2010, he began the 18-month Apache training course, during which he was awarded the prize for best co-pilot gunner.
He served a second tour of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot from 2012 to 2013. Later that year he qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.
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