Today marks the end of Prince Harry’s career in the British Armed Forces after a decade of military service.
During his time in the army, Prince Harry has served twice in Afghanistan and promoted the welfare of injured servicemen and women through his charities and the success of the London Invictus Games in 2014. During his career, he has also qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander.
A spokesperson from Kensington Palace has said: “The Prince has had a fulfilling military career and considers it a huge honour to have served his country in the Armed Forces.”
Over the next three months, the Prince will travel to southern Africa where he will be working on front-line conservation projects. During his time in Africa he will travel to Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana, where he will learn about long-term environment conservation projects. Harry will also look at wildlife conservation and will meet rangers who protect rhinos and elephants against poachers.
Harry will also meet a number of the world’s leading veterinarians who help to save the lives of those animals who have been horrifically injured and attacked. Harry will work alongside these vets in order to learn more about animal care and how to help such injured animals. Wildlife protection has become increasingly important to the Prince, and his brother, The Duke of Cambridge, and his father, Prince Charles, also champion this personal interest.
Speaking about Prince Harry’s plans for the future, The Director of Conservation Programmes at the Zoological Society of London, Jonathan Baillie, commented: “The Duke of Cambridge has played a vital role in rallying the biggest players in global conservation to work together to address a rapidly escalating poaching crises affecting regions such as southern Africa. Over the past year he has put the fight against the illegal wildlife trade on the agenda of the Presidents of both the United States and China.
“And now his brother Prince Harry will be working on the ground gaining experience in areas facing some of the greatest conservation challenges. We at ZSL have been delighted to play a part in pulling together a programme that will be tough, but rewarding. After this period, Prince Harry will be one of the best-informed ambassadors for the conservation community on what is really happening on the ground in Africa. His experience will be of great value.”
photo credit: Land Rover MENA
