This is actually the biggest surprise of the week! Prince Harry is leaving the military this year. Harry has served two tours in Afghanistan and it was widely reported that he was committed to rising through the ranks of the British Army as he continued to focus on veterans’ issues and his founding of the Warrior Games. But sources are buzzing that Harry is definitely leaving:
Prince Harry is expected to leave the military later this year, according to Sky sources. The move comes as a surprise as the 30-year-old Prince is a passionate member of the Armed Forces, who appeared to be focused on a long career serving as an Army officer. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. An Army spokesperson said: “We would not comment on the future careers of any of our soldiers and officers.”
Kensington Palace would not comment on the news. It said in a statement: “Prince Harry is currently focused on his work supporting the Ministry of Defence’s recovery capability programme to ensure those who are wounded, injured or sick have appropriate recovery plans and the necessary support they require.”
The statement said the current job is “a natural progression from the work he did organising the Invictus Games”.
Sky’s Defence Correspondent Alistair Bunkall said Prince Harry had a “pretty distinguished” career within the Armed Forces.
“This is a natural time for Prince Harry to leave the Army. He could be expected to be promoted from Captain to Major next year, at which point he would undertake a nine-month course at the Staff College in Shrivenham. This sets you up for a long career in the Army. It is therefore a moment when a lot of young officers find themselves at a junction: to stay or leave and pursue something else.”
Many believed – as I did – that Harry truly wanted to get his promotion and become Major Wales. But the BBC says Harry is “considering his options” and might want to focus more on his charity work now. He’s been working a desk job in London for the better part of a year, hasn’t he? That was partially by design, because he pulled together the Warrior Games from scratch. Also: his military career is believed to have been putting a major damper on his love life. Not only do prospective wives/girlfriends have to deal with the “prince” thing, but they would also have to deal with being a military wife. It would be more romantic to me if he was giving up his military career for a lady, but as far as we know, he doesn’t even have a girlfriend these days.
These are photos of Prince Harry in Newcastle this week, visiting the Armed Forces and Veterans Launch Pad.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
What I find interesting is the quote about his involvement with Ministry of Defence’s recovery programme – it seems to hint that he is readjusting his focus to helping veterans, which actually seem a logical progression from his Invictus Games. It’ll be interesting to see if this is indeed the case.
Yes, he will actually be able to do that much better outside of the military. He already has the military credentials sufficient to speak from personal experience, a promotion and a military career won’t help his goals.
Agree with you both. And I thought this was always the plan. Around the Invictus Games he was said to be making the adjustment into a desk position and focusing more on helping vets.
Honestly, Harry speaking about these issues seems so genuine I always tear up.
I was part of a medical team on standby during an Invictus style event. We got to watch everything and speak with many of the vets. I was just in awe of them and the community that exists and grows at these events. It’s more than just fun events. So much more.
Whatever he decides to do, I’m sure he’ll do it with the same hands-on enthusiasm, commitment and grace that he’s brought to every project and cause he’s taken on.
You know, I know nothing of the royal system, so please forgive me if I say something silly, but I would LOVE it if this were a move suggested to him by the palace to keep “the second son” ready in case Lazy Willy would eventually abdicate. But then again there’s the tiny prince already, so I guess it’s just a pretty dream inside my head.
RocketMerry
I’m still not 100% on how that would work. William could remove himself (leave the church) and if that’s done before George is 18 (?) Harry would be next.
The press still falls over themselves to praise the Cambridges and ignore their fumbles while ignoring much of what Harry does for his charities, but highlights his faults. This is just Harry. And he’s still not looking like the greater of 2 evils.
IMO William will never leave. He may not want to do his duties, but leaving would lose him much of what he indulges in now. And I don’t think Harry would want to be King. I think he just has a kind heart.
i don’t believe William can abdicate for George. We discussed this on a royal history group and various experts there( published authors) cited all kinds of acts and letters patent. It’s never been tested though so who knows.
If William wants out, and he is claiming that it is too much of a psychological burden, then it would be seen as cruel if he didn’t take his children out of line as well. The ultimate selfish act – walk out because you can’t handle the job but force your kid to do it. And they cannot have a future king raised by two people (W&K) who walked out on the job.
I seem to recall when Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor abdicated, he had to abdicate for any children which may have come from the marriage. There weren’t any of course. But perhaps he had to abdicate for his children because Wallis was unacceptable to the British establishment and government. Kate, for all her laziness, is not unacceptable as mother to a future king.
The point about raising the children stands. If W&K are incapable of doing the job and see it as a burden, it is unlikely they’d be entrusted to raise children who would think differently about the role. If William wants out, either the children go too or the children are removed from W&K and raised by someone else. As that would create an enormous backlash directed at W&K and the BRF, the only answer would be William and the children being removed from the line.
Nota, that makes sense to me. If William wants out, he would have to take his children with him. I sometimes wonder if that’s what he is planning; waiting for Harry to marry and have some kids. Then he makes his exit. Harry would make a better king anyway. Just my opinion.
But until then, William keeps all the privilege and handouts being heir to the heir affords him. Kate would go crazy. She’s in it for the crown.
At first I thought this was crazier than his alleged romance with Emma Watson. But it does seem logical, particularly Kaiser’s point about Harry being able to land a lady more easily without the double doom of HRH Military Wife.
He looks more like Prince Chuckie every day. Any doubts as to paternity can be put to rest now.
yes with every year he looks more and more like Charles with hints of the young Philip. I find it funny that some people still think Harry is a Hewitt just because of his hair colour althrough he looks so much like a Mountbatton… while William never looked like his father. He has Diana´s face with the long nose and teeth.
I think he’s leaving to avoid ranking high in the army in the future and posibly creating political upheaval…
(my grammar is below decent levels these days… sorry no habla ingles)
Prince Harry has been open about his Dyslexia, and commented in the past that he probably would have a hard time passing the rigorous exams required to reach a higher Rank past Captain, so I’m not surprised . Henry is smart in his way, but has talked about his academic struggles, not everyone is academically inclined. No doubt Prince Harry will find away to keep working with the military/ veterans in a meaningful way ,just one that’s more in line with his responsibilities to his Grandmother and Father. It’s clear to most people Prince Harry loves his Charity work.
yes, in Harry´s case (and sadly he is just one of many) the diagnosis and help for dyslexia came too late. He was in his late teens if i remember well. At this stage with all the academic failings you´re sure you´re too dumb and you learn to hate school and learning. It´s hard to overcome that mindset and go through dyslexia therapy.
He has never publicly admitted the dyslexia, while Beatrice has admitted hers. The story comes from a private conversation he had with a television personality while at a resort, but he’s never publicly admitted the dyslexia.
I think this is a bad move for him. I get the impression that while he is very good at the charity work, he’s going to become bored with it in a few years and be yearning to go back for some action. Too much time on his hands means more time to get into trouble for him. A strong military career say until he’s 50 would work really well for him. He can do his royal duties now and then and still stay active. I’m thinking he may be intimidated by the 9 month course of studying and of course his dyslexia doesn’t help matters for him. It’s unfortunate.
Not to mention that he will make Will and Kate look like sloths when it comes to royal work since he is very good at it and will attend things.
You only have to look to Prince Andrew to see how boredom can be dangerous for a royal.
rtms
Harry has had little down time for a long time now. When not on duty he can be seen doing so much charity work and traveling for it. It’s not covered tot he same level as William or Kate, but Harry has minimal downtime. And the year he was planning the Invictus Games little was reported on him. Though he was still touring places and doing events/fundraising/speaking engagements and being a part of the planning to bring the games to the UK. And in 1 year that is no easy task. He had a team and advisors ofcourse, but still. Not easy.
It’s also said that since the Queen is easing herself out of her heavy schedule and same goes for Philip Charles has taken over the work load. As well as other royals. It was said William was intended to assist Charles with his POW duties to ease into the role, but Harry instead too on that.
Much of this is reported on and findable, but not broadcasted as heavily as W&K.
So, for a guy that is to be torn down to raise another up Harry’s known faults are few and far between. He also handles them very well in the press. I doubt leaving the military will result in Harry getting lazy or having idle hands.
Regarding his dyslexia.
He has received treatment, but help came later than it should have. He does still have issues with it, but he also doesn’t let it get the better of him. He speaks very openly and unashamed about it which is great for those who struggle with it.
He may speak about needing extra help in school, but has not publicly admitted his dyslexia. The news came from a *private* conversation he had with Jeremy Clarkson while on holiday, and Clarkson shared that info publicly. That’s why many were disappointed about the secret he shared for the Sentabale campaign. He admitted to a fear of public speaking, while many hoped he would publicly confirm the dyslexia.
On,y Andrew had no real interests or defined position to occupy him. The monarchy is slimming down and Harry will be part of the eventual small group that takes the load. He has very clear goals–veterans, conservation and Africa at the forefront– and he’s passionate about them. Andrew never seemed interested in more than golf once he retired.
If he was dating someone, i would say this is a sign he’s getting married, but that’s not happening so…
Chest split up with her boyfriend in December so they may be hating back together and she also quit her job so if they are bs k together they will have more time together.
Who is Chest? Chelsy? I did not know she quit her job. I do remember reading of the split with her boyfriend though.
I like Chelsy, but I think that ship has sailed.
He seems to be the only “working” young royal.