Prince Harry lays wreath in Canberra
Prince Harry has completed his only official engagement in Australia as he commences a four week stint with the Australian military.
The fourth-in-line to the throne was greeted by more than 1000 people under wet skies at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Chief of the Defence Force Mark Binskin and War Memorial director Brendan Nelson welcomed the young prince just after 9am Canberra time.
Wearing his dress uniform, Prince Harry laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before placing a poppy on the Roll of Honour commemorating Australia’s war dead.
He then toured the memorial’s recently renovated World War I gallery, where he was told about the Gallipoli battles.
He also inspected the Afghanistan war exhibit – a subject close to Prince Harry’s heart given his own tours of duty with the British military to the war torn country.
Prince Harry signed the visitors book and was presented with several gifts of a box made from timber from the Memorial’s “Lone Pine” tree as well as from jarrah.
Inside was a collection of medallions relating to the Gallipoli centenary.
Prince Harry was also given an autographed copy of country singer Lee Kernaghan’s Spirit of the ANZACs album.
Meet and greet: Prince Harry meets well wishers after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Taylor
Afterwards, Prince Harry met well wishers outside the memorial. While security was tight and the public cordoned off, Prince Harry lingered longer than his minders wanted as he shook countless hands.
Following his War Memorial visit, Prince Harry officially reported for duty at the Royal Military College at Duntroon as part of his four-week trip through Australia and New Zealand.
He presented a message to Air Chief Marshal Binskin from the Queen thanking the Defence Force for welcoming her grandson.
“I am delighted that the long and enduring association between the Australian and British armies will be joined by the military secondment of my grandson, Prince Harry,” the Queen’s message said.
“Together, our armed forces share skills, resources and resolve in order to uphold and defend our common values.
“In 2015, when together we commemorate the many sacrifices of our countrymen at Gallipoli a century ago, it is fitting that we can also reflect on the strength and persistence today of those common values and our professional military ties.
“I know that Captain Wales will benefit greatly from spending time with the Australian Diggers and I thank you for welcoming him into your ranks. Elizabeth R.”
The Australian Defence Force is promising a "challenging program" for Prince Harry during his time in the country. It includes urban and field exercises.
Part of the training will include time with the Special Air Service Regiment in Perth.
He is expected to visit the unit's barracks at Swanbourne to get an insight into the latest counterterrorism tactics.
Britain's Prince Harry, left, looks at poppies with Director of the Australian War Memorial Brendan Nelson, second left, and Chair of the Australian War Memorial Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, third left, at the Roll of Honour during a visit to the Australian War Memorial. AP Photo/Lukas Coch, Pool
All of the specialist training, which also includes time with the military in Sydney and Darwin, takes place before Prince Harry officially retires from the British Army.
As part of his attachment, the Prince will accompany his father Prince Charles to the Gallipoli commemorations in Turkey on Anzac Day.
After the Australian leg of his training, he will head to New Zealand.
The 30-year-old will end his 10-year service with the British Army in June.
