LONDON: Prince Harry ended his career with the British army on Friday after 10 years’ service that saw him fight on the front line twice in Afghanistan.

The 30-year-old will spend the next three months working on wildlife conservation projects in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania, where he will join a team of rangers fighting against poachers of elephants and rhinos.

Jonathan Baillie, Director of Conservation Programmes at the Zoological Society of London, said Harry’s contribution could give the conservation movement a huge boost.

“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,” he said.

The prince has also vowed to continue to work “in the service of military personnel” and will return as a volunteer to help wounded soldiers with their rehabilitation later this year. Harry said it had been a “really tough decision” when he announced in March he was to conclude his military service.

His decision came as a surprise to many royal-watchers as the army seemed like a natural fit for the active prince.

Published in Dawn June 20th, 2015

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