Prince Harry has left the Army after a career spanning ten years and will now spend the summer working as a volunteer with conservation experts in southern Africa, Kensington Palace has said.
Harry, who officially left the Armed Forces today, will spend three months working on "front-line conservation projects" in Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana.
The continent is a place the prince has a great affection for and his charity Sentebale is based in the Kingdom of Lesotho in southern Africa.
Kensington Palace said in a statement: "After more than a decade of full-time military service Prince Harry has today ended his career with the Army.
"The prince has had a fulfilling military career and considers it a huge honour to have served his country in the Armed Forces, during which time he has undertaken two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan, qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander, spearheaded the Invictus Games and - most recently - undertaken an attachment with the Australian Defence Force."
Prince Harry announced in February he would be leaving the Army, and he later said he considered himself ''incredibly lucky'' to have had the chance to carry out challenging roles in the military.
His decision was a surprise to many as he was seen as a passionate member of the Forces, who had always dreamt of being a career soldier even as a young boy.
At the time it was also announced Harry would spend part of the summer in Africa and today Kensington Palace confirmed the countries where he would be working and it is understood he will leave for the continent next week.
Harry, who was know in the Army as Captain Wales, was away on leave for his last day in the forces but will return to hold a formal farewell meeting with his commanding officer later in the year.
Kensington Palace said: "As previously announced Prince Harry will spend the next three months working on front-line conservation projects in southern Africa.
"The Prince has worked closely with conservation experts from several organisations – including the Zoological Society of London – to design a programme that will give him a first-hand insight into the urgent challenges faced by people on the ground working to protect Africa's natural heritage and support both wildlife and local communities."
Harry's household added: "Prince Harry will learn about environmental education programmes and see up close the importance of linking the long-term future of southern Africa's wildlife with the sustainable development of the communities who live alongside the wildlife."
Harry will also spend time working at the "sharp end of wildlife protection", said Kensington Palace.
It added: "He will join a team of rangers who are the first to respond to reports of poaching attacks on elephants and rhino.
"He will for a time work alongside some of the world's leading veterinarians who act to save animals who have survived barbaric attacks, including the removal of their tusks.
"And he will also work with park managers to learn about new technologies being used to enforce site protection.
"Wherever possible, Prince Harry will be fully embedded with the conservationists and front-line staff he will be working alongside, including working the same shift patterns with limited downtime and living in the same accommodation."