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Prince Harry Completes Military Service, Leaves Army After 10 Years

Prince Harry at the National Memorial Arboretum on June 11, 2015.
Prince Harry is leaving the military after 10 years of full-time service to the Army.

Thank you for your service, Prince Harry! After 10 years of full-time military service, Kensington Palace has announced that Friday, June 19, will be the royal's last day of active duty in the Army.

Harry, 30, leaves the armed forces having undertaken two tours of duty in Afghanistan, served as an Apache Aircraft Commander, led the Invictus Games, and worked alongside the Australian Defense Force. "[Harry] achieved much in his 10 years as a soldier. He has been at the forefront throughout his service," General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the General Staff, has said of the royal's lengthy commitment to his country.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry in uniform

While Harry is leaving his full-time duties behind, the royal intends to still maintain a presence in uniform. Kensington Palace said Friday that Prince William's little brother will work this fall with wounded soldiers as part of volunteer work with the Personnel Recovery Unit of London District. Harry plans to devote his time to wildlife conservation efforts now that his schedule has freed up.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's hottst moments

He'll spend July, August, and September in Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana working to develop sustainable communities that operate in tandem with local wildlife. During his time abroad, Harry will work with wildlife rangers and veterinarians to rehabilitate elephants who have suffered attacks, including tusk removal.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's craziest scandals

"After a decade of service, moving on from the Army has been a really tough decision. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the chance to do some very challenging jobs and have met many fantastic people in the process," Harry said in a statement issued in March. "Inevitably most good things come to an end and I am at a crossroads in my military career. Luckily for me, I will continue to wear the uniform and mix with fellow servicemen and women for the rest of my life, helping where I can, and making sure the next few Invictus Games are as amazing as the last."

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