London:
Britain’s Prince Harry is considering to leave his career in the British army later this year to focus on charity work, media reports said.
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.
Kensington Palace, the royal residence also reserved comment on the news.
‘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 Royal Military Academy 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 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.
