Hats off to Harry

What a difference a decade makes. When Harry Wales joined the Armed Forces he was a young man with a bit of a reputation for partying and playing up. As he announces that he is leaving the Army after ten years of service, he is a widely respected and hugely popular prince who has won hearts and minds around the world. It's a big change - hats off to Harry.

Prince Harry will leave the Armed Forces in the summer of 2015

(photo Clarence House Instagram)

The prince confirmed that he will leave the Army this summer in a short statement released by Kensington Palace. In it, Harry said that it had been a 'tough decision' to end his active service and that he counted himself 'incredibly lucky' to have had the opportunity to take on 'some very challenging jobs'. And he concluded by saying that as one chapter in his life ended, another was beginning and he was looking forward to the future.

Prince Harry is to leave the @BritishArmy in June after ten years of military service. Read the announcement here: http://t.co/tbuMurudQj
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 17, 2015

The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, paid tribute to 'Harry Wales' as he left the Army. He said that the prince had achieved much, been at the forefront of the service and insisted on being treated the same as everyone else. He thanked him for his service and wished him well in his new life.

Prince Harry has been deployed to #Afghanistan twice, as a Forward Air Controller in 07/08 & an Apache Pilot in 12/13 pic.twitter.com/Jr42OUFvQK
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 17, 2015

And it will be a new life for Harry. The young prince went to Sandhurst in May 2005 when he was 21 years old and much of his young adult life has been spent in the Army. It has cushioned him from questions about royal duties and royal engagements - of both the professional and personal kind. But now, just months shy of turning 31, he is facing a lifestyle. His work will be civilian (he is still retaining a link with helping injured service men and women) and his time will be available now meaning more scrutiny for Harry as a senior member of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry will retain strong ties with the Armed Forces

(photo Clarence House Instagram)

But he begins his new life in a truly majestic position. Everyone hearts Harry, largely thanks to his exemplary service in the Army. From his time in Afghanistan to his work to bring the Invictus Games to life and to a worldwide audience, the prince's time in the Army has been viewed with respect and admiration. It has turned him from a young royal searching for a role to a prince with a rosy future and millions cheering him on. That's an achievement. Hats off to Harry.