Australian Defence Force to ‘challenge’ Prince Harry
Prince Harry will embed in the Australian military, with planned visits to Darwin, Perth and Sydney, in the lead up to his departure from the British armed forces.
The Prince’s four week tour is set to begin in April and will include a trip to Gallipoli on Anzac day to join his father Prince Charles where they will represent the royal family.
Kensington Palace has announced details of Harry’s trip to Australia and New Zealand after it was first leaked in the British media a fortnight ago.
• Royals to descend on Gallipoli
• Prince Harry quits British armed forces
The palace also confirmed the 30-year-old Apache helicopter pilot will quit the British armed forces in June following a decade of full-time military service, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
It’s not yet known what Harry will do next, with the prince stating “I am considering the options for the future”.
In Australia he is set to spend time at army barracks and participate in exercises with national military.
During his attachment, the prince will travel to Gallipoli to represent the royal family at the Anzac Day dawn service along with his father.
After his time with the ADF, Harry will undertake an official tour of New Zealand in May – his first time in the country.
He’s previously visited Australia in 2003 on his gap year and in 2013 for the international fleet review.
“Spending time with the Australian Defence Force will be incredible and I know I will learn a lot,” said the prince, who is called Captain Harry Wales while on active duty.
ADF head Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin believes the Australian army has prepared a “challenging program” for the prince.
“Captain Wales’ embed with the Australian army is an extension of his regular British army duties,” he said in a statement.
“It will build on his previous experience with coalition forces along with his advocacy work with wounded, injured and ill service personnel.
“It is also an opportunity for Australian army personnel to learn from their British counterpart.”
After quitting the British military mid-year, the prince will travel to Africa where he’ll do volunteer conservation work.
He’ll then return to the UK and volunteer with the Ministry of Defence supporting wounded service personnel.
“Moving on from the army has been a really tough decision,” Harry said on Tuesday.
“(But) inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career.
“I am considering the options for the future and I am really excited about the possibilities.”
Harry’s older brother, Prince William, quit the armed forces in September 2013 and will start his new civilian job as an air ambulance pilot mid-year following the birth of his second child, who is due in mid to late-April.