Prince Harry to quit UK armed forces for Australia

Prince Harry is set to end his active military service with several weeks of secondments to Australian units, a UK newspaper has reported.

The Prince has previously completed two combat tours of Afghanistan.

The Evening Standard said the 30-year-old would be retiring from the military to focus on his charity work, with a view to spending a "significant period" working in Africa on conservation projects.

Prince Harry will be seconded to serve with Australia's military for several weeks before his duties end, the Standard said.

Following his secondment, the prince is expected to join his father Prince Charles at the 100th anniversary Anzac Day dawn service in Gallipoli.

"The Prince thought long and hard about his decision to leave active military service but, having served his country on two tours of duty, he felt the time was right to leave. He has loved his time serving," a senior source told the Standard.

"Officials are still working on the precise timings but he will leave the military this year after serving Down Under.

"The exact timings have not been finalised yet, but are expected to be announced officially very soon."

Another source told the Standard that despite his exit from the force, the prince would remain committed to his work with the Ministry of Defence's recovery capability programme, supporting wounded and injured servicemen.

"Harry just felt it was time for a new chapter in his life. One of his plans is to spend a significant period in Africa working on areas to do with conservation and wildlife," the source said.

"He will also focus on his charities and maintain his interests in highlighting the plight of injured service staff."