Editing Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (section)

==Military career==

===Sandhurst; Blues and Royals; deployment to Afghanistan===
[[File:Royal Military Academy Sandhurst inspection of new Colours, June 2005.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Officer Cadet Wales ''(standing next to the horse)'' on parade at [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst|Sandhurst]], 21 June 2005]]
Harry passed the [[Regular Commissions Board]] (RCB) in September 2004 and entered the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] on 8 May 2005, where he was known as Officer Cadet Wales, and joined [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst#Organisation|Alamein Company]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-has-passed-his-regular-commissions-board-rcb|title=Prince Harry has passed his Regular Commissions Board (RCB)|website=The Royal Family|date=24 September 2004|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Fisher|first=Connie|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111174109/https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-has-passed-his-regular-commissions-board-rcb|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Harry begins Sandhurst training|work=BBC News|date=8 May 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4526077.stm|access-date=16 October 2008|archive-date=15 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115070107/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4526077.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> His entry into the academy had to be delayed for 4 months as he recovered from an injury to his left knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-harrys-entry-sandhurst-update|title=Prince Harry's entry into Sandhurst – an update|website=The Royal Family|date=30 November 2004|access-date=7 June 2023|archive-date=8 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608021727/https://www.royal.uk/prince-harrys-entry-sandhurst-update|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2006, Harry completed his officer training and was commissioned as a [[Cornet (military rank)|Cornet]] ([[second lieutenant]]) in the [[Blues and Royals]], a regiment of the [[Household Cavalry]] in the British Army. On 13 April 2008, when he reached two years' seniority, Harry was promoted to [[Lieutenant (British Army and Royal Marines)|lieutenant]].<ref name="LG 15 April 2008">{{London Gazette|issue=58667|date=15 April 2008|page=5736|supp=y}}</ref>

In 2006 it was announced that Harry's unit was scheduled to be deployed in Iraq the following year. A public debate ensued as to whether he should serve there. In April 2006, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] announced that Harry would be shielded from the front line if his unit was sent to war, with a spokeswoman stating that he was expected to "undertake the fullest range of deployments", but his role needed to be monitored as "his overt presence might attract additional attention" that would put him or those he commanded at risk.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12458725|title=U.K.'s Prince Harry may be kept from frontlines|work=NBC News|date=24 April 2006|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317004404/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12458725|url-status=live}}</ref> Defence Secretary [[John Reid, Baron Reid of Cardowan|John Reid]] said that he should be allowed to serve on the front line of battle zones. Harry agreed saying, "If they said 'no, you can't go front line' then I wouldn't drag my sorry ass through Sandhurst and I wouldn't be where I am now."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4938978.stm|title=Reid defends Harry in service row|work=BBC News|access-date=30 January 2017|archive-date=19 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061219015123/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4938978.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Harry completed the Troop Leaders' Course in October 2006 and rejoined his regiment in Windsor, where he was put in charge of a troop of 11 soldiers and four Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-harrys-military-career|title=Prince Harry's Military Career|work=The Royal Family|date=26 February 2016|access-date=11 January 2023|last=Goodey|first=Emma|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111083838/https://www.royal.uk/prince-harrys-military-career|url-status=live}}</ref> The Ministry of Defence and [[Clarence House]] made a joint announcement on 22 February 2007 that Harry would be deployed with his regiment to Iraq, as part of the [[1st Mechanized Brigade (United Kingdom)|1st Mechanised Brigade]] of the [[3rd Mechanised Division (United Kingdom)|3rd Mechanised Division]]{{spaced en dash}}a move supported by Harry, who had stated that he would leave the army if he was told to remain in safety while his regiment went to war.<ref>{{cite news|last=Witchell|first=Nicholas|title=Harry Iraq deployment no surprise|work=BBC News|date=22 February 2007|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6385169.stm|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-date=15 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115093652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6385169.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The head of the British army at the time, General [[Sir Richard Dannatt]], said on 30 April 2007 that he had personally decided that Harry would serve with his unit in Iraq as a troop commander,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna18399400|title=British army chief: Prince Harry to Iraq|date=30 April 2007|work=NBC News|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=25 August 2012|archive-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014015203/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/18399400/ns/world_news-europe/t/british-army-chief-prince-harry-iraq/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/16/iraq.harry/|title=Prince Harry will not go to Iraq|work=CNN|date=17 May 2007|access-date=14 November 2021|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114183320/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/16/iraq.harry/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Harry was scheduled for deployment in May or June 2007 to patrol the [[Maysan Governorate]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1712044.ece|last=Hilder|first=James|title=A 'Wild West' in the east where militias learn their deadly trade|work=[[The Times]]|date=27 April 2007|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-date=3 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203112446/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1712044.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 16 May, however, Dannatt announced that Harry would not serve in Iraq;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/16/iraq.harry/index.html|title=Prince Harry will not go to Iraq|work=CNN|date=17 May 2007|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009120152/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/16/iraq.harry/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> concerns included Harry being a high-value target (as several threats by various groups had already been made against him) and the dangers the soldiers around him would face should any attempt be made on his life or if he were captured. Clarence House made public Harry's disappointment with the decision, though he said he would abide by it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_harry_deployment_update_1590048916.html|title=Prince Harry deployment update|website=Clarence House|date=16 May 2007|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928075444/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_harry_deployment_update_1590048916.html|archive-date=28 September 2008}}</ref>

In the summer of 2007 Harry was trained as a [[joint terminal attack controller]] at [[RAF Leeming]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/28/military.afghanistan1|title=Harry's war|work=The Guardian|date=28 February 2008|access-date=18 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318155212/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/28/military.afghanistan1|url-status=live}}</ref> In early June 2007, it was reported that Harry had arrived in Canada to train alongside soldiers of the [[Canadian Forces]] and British Army, at [[CFB Suffield]] near [[Medicine Hat, Alberta]]. It was said that this was in preparation for a [[tour of duty]] in Afghanistan, where Canadian and British forces were participating in the [[NATO]]-led [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghan War]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-harry-may-be-training-in-alberta-reports-1.243509|title=Prince Harry may be training in Alberta: reports|work=CTV|date=2 June 2007|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-date=11 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011200545/http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-harry-may-be-training-in-alberta-reports-1.243509|url-status=live}}</ref> This was confirmed in February of the following year when the British Ministry of Defence revealed that Harry had been secretly deployed as a joint terminal attack controller to [[Helmand Province]] in Afghanistan for the previous ten weeks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7269743.stm|title=Prince Harry on Afghan front line|work=BBC News|date=28 February 2008|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-date=15 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115130847/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7269743.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna23391374|title=Prince Harry on front line in Afghanistan|work=NBC News|date=28 February 2008|access-date=28 February 2008|archive-date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012033523/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/23391374/|url-status=live}}</ref> The revelation came after the media{{spaced en dash}}notably, German newspaper ''[[Bild]]'' and Australian magazine ''[[New Idea]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580111/How-the-Prince-Harry-blackout-was-broken.html|last=Gammell|first=Caroline|title=How the Prince Harry blackout was broken|work=The Telegraph|date=28 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2016|url-access=subscription|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306141240/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580111/How-the-Prince-Harry-blackout-was-broken.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/new-idea/8771/prince-harry-goes-to-war-in-afghanistan|title=Prince Harry Biography – New Idea|work=Yahoo!|access-date=14 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304115059/http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/new-idea/8771/prince-harry-goes-to-war-in-afghanistan|archive-date=4 March 2008}}</ref>{{spaced en dash}}breached the blackout placed over the information by the Canadian and British authorities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/28/military.afghanistan|last=Audrey|first=Gillian|author2=Tran, Mark|author3=Walker Peter|title=Harry secretly serving in Afghanistan|date=28 February 2008|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 March 2010|archive-date=1 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901175557/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/28/military.afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref> He was immediately pulled out due to the fear that the media coverage would put his security and the security of fellow soldiers at risk.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/29/afghanistan.monarchy|title=Prince Harry to be recalled from Afghanistan|work=The Guardian|date=29 February 2008|access-date=8 January 2022|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108202047/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/feb/29/afghanistan.monarchy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-harry/prince-harry-back-from-afghan-frontline-idUSL0166847020080301|title=Prince Harry back from Afghan frontline|work=Reuters|first=Paul|last=Majendie|date=1 March 2008|access-date=8 January 2022|archive-date=8 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108225300/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-harry/prince-harry-back-from-afghan-frontline-idUSL0166847020080301|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later reported that Harry helped [[Brigade of Gurkhas|Gurkha]] troops repel an attack from [[Taliban]] insurgents,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580113/Prince-Harry-in-Taliban-gun-battle.html|title=Prince Harry in Taliban gun battle|work=The Telegraph|date=28 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2016|url-access=subscription|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306141243/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580113/Prince-Harry-in-Taliban-gun-battle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and performed patrol duty in hostile areas while in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580118/On-patrol-with-Prince-Harry.html|title=On patrol with Prince Harry|work=The Telegraph|date=28 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2016|url-access=subscription|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051143/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1580118/On-patrol-with-Prince-Harry.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=William and Harry|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781602861404 |url-access=registration|publisher=Weinstein Books|year=2010|pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781602861404/page/242 242]–243 |isbn=978-1-60286-140-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Winn|first=Patrick|title=F-15 pilots recall airstrike directed by Prince Harry|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-03-15-prince-airstrikes_N.htm|work=USA Today |date=15 March 2008 |access-date=5 November 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100035/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-03-15-prince-airstrikes_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harry's tour made him the first member of the [[British royal family]] to serve in a war zone since his uncle [[Prince Andrew]], who flew helicopters during the [[Falklands War]]. For Harry's service, his aunt [[Princess Anne]] presented him with an [[Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan]] at the [[Combermere Barracks]] in May 2008.<ref name="PeopleMedal">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/1929243/Prince-Harry-receives-Afghan-medal.html|title=Prince Harry receives Afghan medal|last=Pierce|first=Andrew|date=5 May 2008|access-date=21 December 2023|work=The Telegraph|url-access=subscription|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520040044/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/1929243/Prince-Harry-receives-Afghan-medal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Army Air Corps and second deployment to Afghanistan===
In October 2008, it was announced that Harry would follow his brother, father and uncle in learning to fly military helicopters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7692010.stm|title=Prince Harry aims to become pilot|date=27 October 2008|access-date=27 October 2008|work=BBC News|location=London|archive-date=31 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031001847/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7692010.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/PrinceHarryVolunteersForArmyHelicopterPilotSelection.htm|title=Prince Harry volunteers for Army helicopter pilot selection|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|date=27 October 2008|access-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101102100/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/PrinceHarryVolunteersForArmyHelicopterPilotSelection.htm|archive-date=1 November 2008}}</ref> Harry attended the [[Defence Helicopter Flying School]] at [[RAF Shawbury]], where he joined his brother.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/prince_william_harry_shawbury_gallery.shtml?6|title=Princes enjoy RAF Shawbury|work=BBC News|date=June 2009|access-date=24 June 2012|archive-date=13 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213211419/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/prince_william_harry_shawbury_gallery.shtml?6|url-status=live}}</ref> He initially failed his pilot's theory test in February 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/prince-harry-flies-plane-despite-failing-pilot-test/lite/|title=Prince Harry flies plane despite failing pilot test|work=The Indian Express|date=18 February 2009|access-date=13 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513181620/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/prince-harry-flies-plane-despite-failing-pilot-test/lite/|archive-date=13 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Prince Charles presented him with his flying [[Aircrew brevet|brevet]] (wings) on 7 May 2010 at a ceremony at the Army Air Corps Base (AAC), [[Middle Wallop]].<ref name="The Daily Telegraph">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7691736/Prince-Harry-awarded-provisional-wings-by-Prince-of-Wales.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510005803/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7691736/Prince-Harry-awarded-provisional-wings-by-Prince-of-Wales.html|archive-date=10 May 2010|title=Prince Harry awarded provisional flying wings by Prince of Wales|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=7 May 2010|access-date=7 May 2010|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Harry was awarded his Apache Flying Badge on 14 April 2011.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Prince Harry Fast Facts |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/08/world/europe/prince-harry-fast-facts/ |work=CNN |date=14 September 2014 |access-date=4 January 2015 |archive-date=28 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728151454/http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/08/world/europe/prince-harry-fast-facts/ |url-status=live }}<br/>{{cite book|author=James McConnachie|title=The Rough Guide to the Royals|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9MMJ8X5dPHQC&pg=PT55|date=5 April 2012|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=978-1-4093-6010-0|page=55}}</ref> On 16 April 2011, it was announced that Harry had been promoted to [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]].<ref name="captain">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8455766/Prince-Harry-promoted-to-captain-in-Army.html|title=Prince Harry promoted to captain in Army|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|date=17 April 2011|access-date=17 April 2011|first=Roya|last=Nikkhah|url-access=subscription|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220161324/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8455766/Prince-Harry-promoted-to-captain-in-Army.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2011, Clarence House announced that Harry would be available for deployment in current operations in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot. The final decision rested with the Ministry of Defence's senior commanders, including principally the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] in consultation with the wishes of Harry, the Prince of Wales, and the Queen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8578644/Prince-Harry-to-return-to-Afghanistan.html|title=Prince Harry to return to Afghanistan|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|date=16 June 2011|access-date=16 June 2011|first=Nick|last=Collins|url-access=subscription|archive-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614024632/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8578644/Prince-Harry-to-return-to-Afghanistan.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, he was transferred to a US military base in California to complete his helicopter gunship training.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grieco |first=Sarah |date=13 October 2011 |title=Prince Harry Arrives in El Centro |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Prince-Harry-california-el-centro-131339578.html |work=KNSD |location=San Diego |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001713/https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Prince-Harry-california-el-centro-131339578.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This final phase included live-fire training and "environmental and judgment training" at naval and air force facilities in California and Arizona.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/07/us/california-prince-harry/index.html?hpt=ieu_mid|title=Prince Harry arrives at U.S. base for live-fire helicopter training|date=7 October 2011|first=Michael|last=Martinez|work=CNN|access-date=10 October 2011|archive-date=7 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007095430/http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/07/us/california-prince-harry/index.html?hpt=ieu_mid|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, it was reported that Harry was top of his class in extensive training undertaken at the [[Naval Air Facility El Centro|Naval Air Facility]], [[El Centro, California]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8835630/Prince-Harry-top-of-class-in-US-helicopter-training.html|title=Prince Harry 'top of class' in US helicopter training|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|date=19 October 2011|access-date=24 October 2011|url-access=subscription|archive-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024053642/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/8835630/Prince-Harry-top-of-class-in-US-helicopter-training.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While training in Southern California, he spent time in San Diego.<ref>{{cite news |last=Guerin |first=Michelle |date=10 October 2011 |title=Prince Harry parties at San Diego clubs |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-prince-harry-spotted-san-diego-clubs-2011oct10-story.html |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224062324/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-prince-harry-spotted-san-diego-clubs-2011oct10-story.html |url-status=live }}<br/>{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Cara |date=11 October 2011 |title=Prince Harry parties at San Diego night club |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/prince-harry-parties-at-san-diego-night-club/2011/10/11/gIQAuDTicL_blog.html?noredirect=on |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=23 February 2019 |url-access=subscription }}<br/>{{cite news |last=Stickney |first=R |date=13 October 2011 |title=Prince Harry Parties at a Gaslamp Club |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Prince-Harry-Gaslamp-Club-San-Diego--131448933.html |work=KNSD |location=San Diego |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001942/https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Prince-Harry-Gaslamp-Club-San-Diego--131448933.html |url-status=live }}<br/>{{cite magazine |last=Meanley |first=Erin |date=21 November 2011 |title=Prince Harry Tracker |url=https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/December-2011/Prince-Harry-Tracker/ |magazine=San Diego Magazine |publisher=SDM, LLC |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224002131/https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/December-2011/Prince-Harry-Tracker/ |url-status=live }}<br/>{{cite news |last=Rainey |first=Sarah |date=22 October 2011 |title=Prince Harry 'dating Californian cocktail waitress' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8842702/Prince-Harry-dating-Californian-cocktail-waitress.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=United Kingdom |access-date=23 February 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224002016/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8842702/Prince-Harry-dating-Californian-cocktail-waitress.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2011, Harry returned to England. He went to [[Wattisham Airfield]] in Suffolk, in the east of England, to complete his training to fly Apache helicopters.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/europe/uk-harry-return/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |title=Prince Harry returns to England after U.S. training |last=Foster |first=Max |date=29 November 2011 |access-date=28 December 2011 |work=CNN |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619225907/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/europe/uk-harry-return/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 7 September 2012, Harry arrived at [[Camp Bastion]] in southern Afghanistan as part of the 100-strong [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)#Command and units|662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19516079|title=Prince Harry deployed to Afghanistan|work=BBC News|date=7 September 2012|access-date=7 September 2012|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622142200/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19516079|url-status=live}}</ref> to begin a four-month combat tour as a co-pilot and gunner for an Apache helicopter.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry in Afghanistan flying Apache copters|url=https://news.yahoo.com/prince-harry-afghanistan-flying-apache-copters-101247919.html|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! News|access-date=7 September 2012|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910010055/http://news.yahoo.com/prince-harry-afghanistan-flying-apache-copters-101247919.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 September, within days of arriving in Afghanistan, it was reported that the Taliban had threatened his life.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-britain-prince-idUSBRE8890IN20120910 |title=Afghan Taliban threaten to kidnap and kill Prince Harry |date=10 September 2012 |work=Reuters |access-date=21 August 2018 |archive-date=22 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822045919/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-britain-prince-idUSBRE8890IN20120910 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 September 2012, it was reported that Harry had been moved to a safe location after an attack by the Taliban on Camp Bastion that killed two US marines.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-19631596|title=Prince Harry under guard during Taliban attack on base|work=BBC News|date=18 September 2012|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317005654/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-19631596|url-status=live}}</ref> Defence Secretary [[Philip Hammond]] stated that "additional security arrangements" were put in place, for Harry could be a potential target, but added that he would face "the same risk as any other Apache pilot" while in combat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/prince-harry-shielded-from-attack-20120918-264m0.html|title=Prince Harry shielded from attack|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 September 2012|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317005744/https://www.smh.com.au/world/prince-harry-shielded-from-attack-20120918-264m0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In files obtained on the incident, Major General [[Gregg A. Sturdevant]] was quoted as saying "The night of the attack, he slept through the entire thing. We didn't do anything special for him. He came and went, and you never would have known he was there" and "the only thing special we did for him was we had a place identified as a safe house in case the base came under attack."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-slept-through-entire-camp-bastion-attack-8859904.html|title=Prince Harry 'slept through entire Camp Bastion attack'|work=The Independent|first=Jonathan|last=Owen|date=4 October 2013|access-date=21 March 2023|archive-date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321070817/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-slept-through-entire-camp-bastion-attack-8859904.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 January 2013, it was announced that Harry was returning from a 20-week deployment in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|title=UK's Prince Harry returns from Afghanistan|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/uks-prince-harry-returns-afghanistan|agency=Associated Press|access-date=21 January 2013|archive-date=12 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412153809/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/uks-prince-harry-returns-afghanistan}}</ref> On 8 July 2013, the Ministry of Defence announced that Harry had successfully qualified as an Apache aircraft commander.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Harry, known in the British Army as Captain Harry Wales, has qualified as an Apache aircraft commander|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-harry-qualifies-as-apache-commander|work=UK Government|access-date=23 July 2013|date=8 July 2013|archive-date=24 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724044909/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-harry-qualifies-as-apache-commander|url-status=live}}</ref> Harry compared operating the Apache's weapons systems in Afghanistan to playing video games.<ref name="Guardian-TJan13">{{cite news |date=22 January 2013 |title=Taliban retaliate after Prince Harry compares fighting to a video game |url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/22/afghanistan-taliban-response-prince-harry |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922033308/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/22/afghanistan-taliban-response-prince-harry |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/9818460/Prince-Harry-driving-wedge-between-forces-and-Afghan-locals.html|title=Prince Harry 'driving wedge between forces and Afghan locals'|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 January 2013|accessdate=7 December 2023|first=Rob|last=Crilly|url-access=subscription|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520092559/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/9818460/Prince-Harry-driving-wedge-between-forces-and-Afghan-locals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harry later revealed in his 2023 memoir ''[[Spare (memoir)|Spare]]'' that he flew on six missions that resulted in him killing 25 Taliban members, writing that he felt he was trained to not view them as "people" but instead as "chess pieces" that had been taken off the board. He added that "It's not a number that gave me any satisfaction. But neither was it a number that made me feel ashamed."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-spare-royal-afghanistan-b2256702.html|title=Prince Harry says he killed 25 people in Afghanistan during tour of duty|work=The Independent|first=Jane|last=Dalton|date=5 January 2023|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105151521/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-spare-royal-afghanistan-b2256702.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the publishing of Harry's claims, [[Pen Farthing]], a British former [[Royal Marines]] commando and founder of the [[Nowzad Dogs]] charity, was evacuated from Kabul on 6 January 2023 to avoid "potential reprisal attacks on ex-forces people".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/pen-farthing-kabul-evacuation-prince-harry-b2258013.html|title=Pen Farthing 'evacuated from Kabul' over fears Prince Harry confessions could invite 'reprisal attacks'|work=The Independent|first=Emily|last=Atkinson|date=7 January 2023|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=8 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108002814/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/pen-farthing-kabul-evacuation-prince-harry-b2258013.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/pen-farthing-prince-harry-book-badly-judged-taliban-spare/|title=Pen Farthing slams Prince Harry book as "badly judged" as he claims he must now leave Kabul for fear of reprisals|work=LBC|first=Adam|last=Solomons|date=7 January 2023|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107192656/https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/pen-farthing-prince-harry-book-badly-judged-taliban-spare/|url-status=live}}</ref> Harry's revelations prompted backlash from both Taliban members and British politicians and military figures.<ref>{{multiref|{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-spare-afghanistan-book-b2256980.html|title='How stupid can you be?' Harry accused of putting family in danger after claiming 25 kills in Afghanistan|work=The Independent|first=Jane|last=Dalton|date=5 January 2023|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106003328/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-spare-afghanistan-book-b2256980.html|url-status=live}};|{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-afghanistan-taliban-spare-b2257369.html|title=Taliban taunts 'big mouth loser' Prince Harry after he claims 25 kills in Afghanistan|work=The Independent|first=Eleanor|last=Noyce|date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106142358/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-harry-afghanistan-taliban-spare-b2257369.html|url-status=live}};|{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/6/taliban-decries-prince-harry-over-comment-on-afghan-killings|title=Taliban leader accuses Prince Harry of killing innocent Afghans|work=Al Jazeera|date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106180253/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/6/taliban-decries-prince-harry-over-comment-on-afghan-killings|url-status=live}};|{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-afghanistan-kills-spare-b2257285.html|title=Prince Harry has 'turned against military family' by revealing Afghanistan kills, ex-colonel says|work=The Independent|first=Rebecca|last=Speare-Cole|date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106120809/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-afghanistan-kills-spare-b2257285.html|url-status=live}};|{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/taliban-lord-royal-navy-admiral-islamic-state-b2258031.html|title=Harry accused of making Invictus Games a terrorist target with Taliban claims|work=The Independent|first=Alana|last=Calvert|date=8 January 2022|access-date=8 January 2022|archive-date=8 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108025428/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/taliban-lord-royal-navy-admiral-islamic-state-b2258031.html|url-status=live}};|{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/01/06/prince-harry-accused-putting-serving-soldiers-danger-revealing/|title=Prince Harry accused of 'betraying the military' and endangering serving soldiers after claiming to have killed 25 Taliban fighters|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Danielle|last=Sheridan|date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106202456/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/01/06/prince-harry-accused-putting-serving-soldiers-danger-revealing/|url-status=live}}}}</ref>

===HQ London District and Invictus Games===
[[File:Prince Harry talks to an injured soldier.jpg|thumb|upright|Harry (left) talking to an injured soldier at the [[Walter Reed National Military Medical Center]], Bethesda, Maryland, US; 15 May 2013]]
On 17 January 2014, the Ministry of Defence announced that Harry had completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, and would take up a staff officer role, [[Staff (military)#British Army staff|SO3]] (Defence Engagement) in HQ London District. His responsibilities would include helping to coordinate significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London. He was based at [[Horse Guards (building)|Horse Guards]] in central London.<ref name="British Government">{{cite web|title=Prince Harry ends his attachment to Army Air Corps.|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-harry-ends-his-attachment-to-army-air-corps|work=UK Government|access-date=27 January 2014|date=17 January 2014|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201184305/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prince-harry-ends-his-attachment-to-army-air-corps|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 March 2014, Harry launched [[Invictus Games]], a [[Paralympic]]-style sporting event for injured servicemen and women, which was held on 10–14 September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry launches Paralympic-style games for soldiers|work=BBC News|date=6 March 2014|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26467714|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206090813/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26467714|url-status=live}}</ref> Harry met British hopefuls for the Invictus Games at [[Tedworth House]] in Wiltshire for the start of the selection process on 29 April 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Harry visits Tedworth House for Invictus Games trials|url=https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news-and-diary/prince-harry-visits-tedworth-house-invictus-games-trials|work=Clarence House|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107174912/https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news-and-diary/prince-harry-visits-tedworth-house-invictus-games-trials|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 May 2014, Harry attended a ticket sale launch for Invictus Games at BT Tower, from where he tweeted on the Invictus Games' official Twitter account as the president of the Games.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/10833005/Prince-Harry-sends-his-first-tweet-slowly.html |title=Prince Harry sends his first tweet – slowly |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |date=15 May 2014 |work=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=subscription |access-date=5 April 2018 |archive-date=18 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518061414/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/10833005/Prince-Harry-sends-his-first-tweet-slowly.html |url-status=live }}</ref> To promote the Games, he was interviewed by [[BBC Radio 2]]'s [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]] along with two Invictus Games hopefuls. He said: "[The Invictus Games] is basically my full-time job at the moment, making sure that we pull this off." The show aired on 31 July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry: Organising Invictus Games 'a real struggle'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28579434|work=BBC News|date=31 July 2014|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001749/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28579434|url-status=live}}</ref> Harry later wrote an article in ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' about his experiences in Afghanistan: how they had inspired him to help injured personnel and how, after the trip to the [[Warrior Games]], he had vowed to create the Invictus Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bloody but unbowed – and rebuilt by sport|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/newsreview/features/article1444594.ece|date=10 August 2014|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814170322/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/newsreview/features/article1444594.ece|archive-date=14 August 2014|work=The Sunday Times|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Harry and officials attended the British Armed Forces Team announcement for Invictus Games at Potters Field Park in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry urges British team to 'beat everybody else' in Invictus Games|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/11031389/Prince-Harry-urges-British-team-to-beat-everybody-else-in-Invictus-Games.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|date=13 August 2014|access-date=21 December 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518054400/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/11031389/Prince-Harry-urges-British-team-to-beat-everybody-else-in-Invictus-Games.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=130 British Heroes Go for Gold at Prince Harry's Invictus Games |url=http://invictusgames.org/news/130-british-heroes-go-for-gold-at-prince-harrys-invictus-games/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814151232/http://invictusgames.org/news/130-british-heroes-go-for-gold-at-prince-harrys-invictus-games/ |archive-date=14 August 2014 |work=Invictus Games }}</ref> As president of the Invictus Games, he attended all events related to the Games from 8 to 14 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAM Invictus Games 2014|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Visitsandevents/IAMInvictusGames2014.aspx|work=The Royal Family|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109131554/http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Visitsandevents/IAMInvictusGames2014.aspx}}</ref>

In January 2015, it was reported that Harry would take on a new role in supporting wounded service personnel by working alongside members of the London District's Personal Recovery Unit for the MOD's Defence Recovery Capability scheme to ensure that wounded personnel have adequate recovery plans. The palace confirmed weeks later<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry 'set to leave armed forces this year'|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-02-27/prince-harry-set-to-leave-armed-forces-this-year/|work=ITV News|date=27 February 2015|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228015712/http://www.itv.com/news/update/2015-02-27/prince-harry-set-to-leave-armed-forces-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> that the scheme was established in partnership with [[Help for Heroes]] and the [[Royal British Legion]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Prince Harry Takes a New Army Role Helping Injured Soldiers|url=http://www.people.com/people/mobile/article/0,,20395222_20896332,00.html|magazine=People|date=27 January 2015|access-date=21 December 2023|first=Simon|last=Perry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203104810/http://www.people.com/people/mobile/article/0,,20395222_20896332,00.html|archive-date=3 February 2015}}</ref> In late January 2015, Harry visited The Battle Back Centre<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Julia|title=Prince Harry Visits the Battle Back Centre|url=http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/news/0415-prince-harry/|website=Leeds Beckett University News|publisher=Leeds Beckett University|access-date=11 November 2017|archive-date=19 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919070746/http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/news/0415-prince-harry/}}</ref> set up by the Royal British Legion, and [[Fisher House UK]] at the [[Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham]]. A partnership between Help for Heroes, the [[Fisher House Foundation]] and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) Charity created the Centre.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry visits Fisher House UK in Edgbaston to show his support for our Nation's Heroes|url=http://birminghamupdates.com/post/109899386323/hrh-prince-harry-visits-fisher-house-uk|website=Birmingham Updates|date=2 February 2015|access-date=21 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203105219/http://birminghamupdates.com/post/109899386323/hrh-prince-harry-visits-fisher-house-uk|archive-date=3 February 2015}}</ref> Fisher House Foundation is one of the Invictus Games' sponsors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Invictus Games|url=http://www.fisherhouse.org/get-involved/invictus-games-53f56beeb29c7/|work=The Fisher House Foundation|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206091536/http://fisherhouse.org/get-involved/invictus-games-53f56beeb29c7/}}</ref> In February and March 2015, Harry visited Phoenix House in [[Catterick Garrison]], North Yorkshire, a recovery centre run by Help for Heroes. He also visited [[Merville Barracks]] in [[Colchester]], where Chavasse VC House Personnel Recovery Centre is located, run by Help for Heroes in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/how-we-help/recovery-centres/colchester/|title=Chavasse VC|website=Help For Heroes|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125135822/http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/how-we-help/recovery-centres/colchester/|archive-date=25 January 2017}}</ref>

===Secondment to Australian Defence Force===
[[File:Prince Harry (17396840192).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Harry in [[New South Wales]], May 2015]]
On 17 March 2015, Kensington Palace announced that Harry would leave the Armed Forces in June.<ref name="BBC-leave">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31916393|title=Prince Harry to leave the Army in June|date=17 March 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=28 November 2017|archive-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721051607/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31916393|url-status=live}}</ref> Before then, he would spend four weeks throughout April and May at army barracks in Darwin, Perth and Sydney whilst seconded to the [[Australian Defence Force]] (ADF). After leaving the Army, while considering his future, he would return to work in a voluntary capacity with the Ministry of Defence, supporting Case Officers in the Ministry's Recovery Capability Programme. He would be working with both those who administer and receive physical and mental care within the London District area.<ref name="BBC-leave"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Harry to leave the Armed Forces|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/press-releases/prince-harry-leave-the-armed-forces|work=Clarence House|access-date=17 March 2015|date=17 March 2015|archive-date=19 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319082218/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/press-releases/prince-harry-leave-the-armed-forces|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 6 April 2015, Harry reported for duty to Australia's Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal [[Mark Binskin]] at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Canberra, Australia.<ref name="Prince Harry arrives in Australia">{{cite web|title=Prince Harry arrives in Australia|url=http://www.princehenryofwales.org/news-and-diary/prince-harry-arrives-australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410094531/http://www.princehenryofwales.org/news-and-diary/prince-harry-arrives-australia|archive-date=10 April 2015|work=Clarence House|access-date=8 April 2015|date=6 April 2015}}</ref> Harry flew to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] later that day to begin his month-long secondment to the ADF's 1st Brigade. His visit included detachments to [[NORFORCE]] as well as to an aviation unit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32365097|title=Prince Harry on reconnaissance flight in Australia|work=BBC News|date=18 April 2015|accessdate=7 December 2023|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212812/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32365097|url-status=live}}</ref> While in [[Perth]], he trained with Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), participating in the SASR selection course, including a fitness test and a physical training session with SASR selection candidates. He also joined SASR members in Perth for live-fire shooting exercises with numerous Special Forces weapons at a variety of ranges. Harry completed an insertion training exercise using a rigid-hull inflatable boat. In Sydney, he undertook urban operations training with the 2nd Commando Regiment. Training activities included remotely detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and [[rappelling]] from a building. He also spent time flying over Sydney as co-pilot of an Army [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|Black Hawk]] helicopter and participated in counter-terrorism training in Sydney Harbour with [[Royal Australian Navy]] clearance divers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince Harry's Australian military attachment captured in series of photos released by ADF|website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|date=9 May 2015|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-09/adf-provides-glimpse-inside-prince-harrys-australian-attachment/6457416|access-date=11 November 2017|archive-date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406155841/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-09/adf-provides-glimpse-inside-prince-harrys-australian-attachment/6457416|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harry's attachment with the ADF ended on 8 May 2015,<ref>{{cite web|title=Captain Wales concludes his attachment with the ADF|url=http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/08/captain-wales-concludes-his-attachment-with-the-adf/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622090842/http://news.defence.gov.au/2015/05/08/captain-wales-concludes-his-attachment-with-the-adf/|archive-date=22 June 2015|publisher=ADF|access-date=10 May 2015|date=8 May 2015}}</ref> and on 19 June 2015 he resigned his short service commission.<ref>{{cite web|title=An update from Kensington Palace|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/press-releases/update-kensington-palace|work=Clarence House|access-date=22 June 2015|date=19 June 2015|archive-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622032817/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/press-releases/update-kensington-palace|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette |issue=61319 |supp=y|page=14838 |date=11 August 2015}}</ref>

===Post-military service===
In 2021, Harry described his 10 years (2005–2015) in the army as "the happiest times in my life".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://parade.com/1212590/alexandra-hurtado/prince-harry-talks-army-military-life/|title=Prince Harry Says 'Happiest Times' in His Life Were the '10 Years in the Army'|work=Parade|first=Alexandra|last=Hurtado|date=21 May 2021|access-date=13 April 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413041613/https://parade.com/1212590/alexandra-hurtado/prince-harry-talks-army-military-life/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since leaving the army, he has been closely involved with the armed forces through the Invictus Games, honorary military appointments and other official engagements. On 19 December 2017, he succeeded his grandfather [[Prince Philip]] as the [[Captain General Royal Marines]].<ref name="Slavin-2017">{{cite news| url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-appointed-captain-general-royal-marines| title=Prince Harry is Appointed Captain General Royal Marines| date=19 December 2017| access-date=21 December 2023| work=The Royal Family| last1=Slavin| first1=Rose| archive-date=23 February 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223212220/https://www.royal.uk/prince-harry-appointed-captain-general-royal-marines| url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, he was promoted to the [[substantive rank]]s of [[Lieutenant Commander]] of the [[Royal Navy]], [[Major (United Kingdom)|Major]] of the British Army and [[Squadron Leader]] of the [[Royal Air Force]].<ref>"No. 62328". ''The London Gazette'' (Supplement). 19 June 2018. pp. 10856–10862.</ref>

On 18 January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that an agreement had been reached for Harry "to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments".<ref>{{cite press release |title=Statement from Her Majesty The Queen |url=https://www.royal.uk/statement-her-majesty-queen-0 |website=The Royal Family |access-date=12 November 2020 |date=18 January 2020 |archive-date=19 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119001006/https://www.royal.uk/statement-her-majesty-queen-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, the Palace confirmed that the Duke would give up his position as Captain General Royal Marines and hand back all the other honorary military appointments.<ref name=QCT21/>