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Will Prince Harry leave British army for charity work?

Last updated on: February 28, 2015 03:33 IST

Britain's Prince Harry lines up before he receives his wings from his father, Prince Charles, at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, southern England. Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters
 

Britain's Prince Harry is considering leaving his career in the British army later this year to focus on charity work, media reports said on Friday.

The move comes as a surprise as the 30-year-old royal fourth in line to Britain's throne, is seen as a passionate member of the Armed Forces and has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan as Captain Harry Wales.

"We would not comment on the future careers of any of our soldiers and officers," an army spokesperson said.

KensingtonPalace, the royal residence also reserved comment on the news.

The 'Evening Standard' newspaper claimed that the Prince is keen to pursue his interests in "conservation and wildlife".

Until he leaves the forces and in future years, it is also believed he will focus on programmes to aid the rehabilitation of injured service personnel, they said. After training at the RoyalMilitaryAcademy at Sandhurst, Harry spent 10 weeks on a deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 before being pulled out when news of his presence  was leaked.

He returned to the country in 2012 for a five-month deployment as an Apache helicopter pilot. The Prince took up a staff officer role with the Army last year. But before his active military duties end, Harry will move to Australia for ‘several weeks’ and serve with the units there, reports said.

Later he will spend time in New Zealand but not be involved with the military there, they said. Harry is expected to join his father Prince Charles at the 100th anniversary Anzac Day dawn service at Gallipoli in April.

It is understood he will travel to Australia before flying to Turkey for the significant engagement, media reports said. Sources in Australia say the prince is expected to fulfil several other non-military public duties in Australia. 

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