It's been rumored for months and now it's official: Dashing chopper pilot Prince Harry will leave the British Armed Forces in June after 10 years of full-time military service, including two tours in Afghanistan.
It was "a really tough decision," said Harry in an "open statement' issued by the Kensington Palace press operation Monday.
"Inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career," he said. "Luckily for me, I will continue to wear the 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."
Harry, 30, and soon-to-be fifth in line to the throne, said he will continue what has become his signature patronage role, working on behalf of wounded warriors, for whom he organized the successful Invictus Games last summer.
He was known "affectionately" as Captain Harry Wales in the military, said chief of staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, who showered Harry with praise for his willingness to be in the thick of fighting and insisting on being treated no differently than his peers.
"He has raised (wounded warriors') profile through the care he has shown them and they admire him hugely," Carter said.
Before his military career ends, Harry will spend four weeks in April and May with the Australian Defense Force, taking part in a range of activities, training exercises and domestic deployments. He also will tour New Zealand shortly after. On April 24-25, he will join his father, Prince Charles, at the Gallipoli 100th anniversary commemorations in Turkey.
After June, he will spend the summer doing volunteer conservation work in sub-Saharan Africa, working with local communities to protect and conserve natural resources and wildlife.
In the fall, he'll return to volunteer with the Ministry of Defense's recovery program for wounded warriors while considering other longer-term employment opportunities.
"So while I am finishing one part of my life, I am getting straight into a new chapter," Harry said. "I am really looking forward to it."
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