Harry: 'Leaving Army A Really Tough Decision'

Prince Harry has said deciding to leave the Army has been "a really tough decision", but he is "really excited about the possibilities" that lie ahead.

Kensington Palace has formally announced that the Prince will be leaving in June, after sources revealed earlier this month that he would be giving up full-time military service after 10 years in the Armed Forces.

In a statement Prince Harry said: "After a decade of service, moving on from the Army has been a really tough decision.

"I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do some very challenging jobs and have met many fantastic people in the process.

"From learning the hard way to stay onside with my Colour Sergeant at Sandhurst, to the incredible people I served with during two tours in Afghanistan - the experiences I have had over the last 10 years will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"For that I will always be hugely grateful."

Before finishing his military service he will spend four weeks in April and May with the Australian Defence Force, taking part in a long established exchange programme between UK and Australian forces.

He is expected to spend time at barracks in Darwin, Perth and Sydney in what is designed to be a "challenging programme" of training exercises and domestic deployments.

After he has been put through his paces, he will get back to royal duties with an official tour to New Zealand in May.

During the summer and autumn he will again focus on his charity interests including a stint of voluntary work with conservation experts in Africa, and time working with the Ministry of Defence's Recovery Capability programme, which helps injured service men and women.

He has still got to decide what to do long term, and whether that could include a "civilian" job like his older brother Prince William, who in the summer will begin his role as an air ambulance pilot.

Hinting at what the future might hold, Prince Harry added in his statement: "Inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career.

"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.

"I am considering the options for the future and I am really excited about the possibilities."

During his military career Prince Harry completed two operational tours in Afghanistan, qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander and launched the Invictus Games for wounded service personnel.

In a glowing report General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the General Staff, said: "Captain Harry Wales, as he is known affectionately in the Army, has achieved much in his ten years as a soldier.

"He has been at the forefront throughout his service. He has insisted on being treated the same as his peers."