Harry to begin Oz Army stint
Sydney: Prince Harry will begin a month- long attachment with the Australian Army on Monday, officials said, spending time on bush patrols, working with an indigenous regiment and possibly flying helicopters.
The 30- year- old, who will be nudged down to fifth in line to the throne by the birth of his brother Prince William’s second child in April, has already announced he will leave the British military in June after his Australian swansong. Upon arrival in Canberra, the royal will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial before reporting for duty to Australian defence force chief Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin. Captain Wales, as he is known in the British Army, will be embedded with a number of Australian Army units and regiments in Sydney, Darwin and Perth. “He is expected to take part in a range of unit- based activities and training exercises,” the Australian defence force said in a statement. “These will include urban training exercises, regional bush patrols, flight simulation and aviation activities, joint fire exercises and indigenous engagement activities. “Captain Wales will also take part in routine activities, such as physical training, first aid training and pack marches.”
The prince, who has flown Apache helicopters for Britain, has reportedly asked to fly copters in Australia, although a defence force spokesman said his credentials would need to be checked first. Harry, who graduated from the elite Sandhurst military academy and served twice in Afghanistan, will also spend time with wounded and ill service personnel.
During the attachment, he will travel from Australia to Turkey to attend the Gallipoli centenary commemorations on April 24 and 25.