Prince Harry has been praised for being an outstanding soldier by General Sir Nicholas Carter following his announcement he is leaving the army this summer.
Sir Nicholas, Chief of the General Staff, has paid tribute to the British royal describing him as a skilled and ultra professional officer who never wanted to be treated differently from his colleagues, despite being the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a statement, the officer said: "Captain Harry Wales, as he is known affectionately in the army, has achieved much in his 10 years as a soldier. He has been at the forefront throughout his service. He has insisted on being treated the same as his peers. His first deployment with his regiment, The Household Cavalry, to Helmand in 2008 was as a Forward Air Controller. This was a job that demanded skill, judgement and professionalism. Qualities he showed still further when he decided to transfer to the Army Air Corps. This led to his second tour in Helmand as an Apache helicopter pilot, where once again he was at the forefront of the operation, selflessly supporting those on the ground."
Sir Nicholas reserved his biggest praise for Harry’s work with wounded service personnel and the active role he played in creating the Invictus Games, the sporting event for injured military men and women.
He added: "It is probably (Harry’s) work during the past two years, which has brought him the most pleasure and fulfilment – the highlight being the extraordinary Invictus Games last year … He has raised their profile through the care he has shown them and they admire him hugely … We wish him the very best for the future, we thank him for his service, and we look forward to his continuing involvement with his regiments and with our wounded."
Harry’s final assignment for the army will see him join the Australian Defence Force for four weeks in April in May. He will spend time in Darwin, Perth and Sydney to "gain an appreciation of the Australian Army’s domestic operating environment and capabilities".
Prince Harry praised by General Sir Nicholas Carter
