Prince Harry's Full-Time Service With the Army Comes to an End

He will spend the summer in southern Africa

Prince Harry is saying goodbye to the military today after more than a decade of service.

The rugged royal has had a fulfilling career in the Armed Forces, where he participated in two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan, qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander and even launched the Invictus Games, which are an international, Paralympic-style multi-sport event that us designed to bring awareness and support rehabilitation and recovery for the Wounded Warriors.

He has spent the past few months serving with the Australian Defense Force and even completed a tour of New Zealand where he learned all about the Maori culture and values.

When Harry's decision to leave the Army was announced, General Sir Nicholas Carter said that the prince had "achieved much in his ten years as a soldier. He has been at the forefront throughout his service." Although he is leaving the Armed Forces, he won't be completely separated. Beginning in the fall, Harry will volunteer with the Personnel Recovery Unit of London District, where he will help soldiers with their rehabilitation after being wounded or injured.

Until then, however, Harry will spend his time in southern Africa where he will work on conservation projects. His work will cover a variety of activity in Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana where he will learn about environmental education programs get first-hand experience of living alongside the wildlife, according to a statement by the Palace.

He will also learn about sustainable development practices in order to support both the wildlife and local communities.

"...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," said Jonathan Baillie, Director of Conservation Programmes at the Zoological Society of London, in a statement. "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."