This is actually the biggest surprise of the week! Prince Harry is leaving the military this year. Harry has served two tours in Afghanistan and it was widely reported that he was committed to rising through the ranks of the British Army as he continued to focus on veterans’ issues and his founding of the Warrior Games. But sources are buzzing that Harry is definitely leaving:

Prince Harry is expected to leave the military later this year, according to Sky sources. The move comes as a surprise as the 30-year-old Prince is a passionate member of the Armed Forces, who appeared to be focused on a long career serving as an Army officer. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. An Army spokesperson said: “We would not comment on the future careers of any of our soldiers and officers.”

Kensington Palace would not comment on the news. It said in a statement: “Prince Harry is currently focused on his work supporting the Ministry of Defence’s recovery capability programme to ensure those who are wounded, injured or sick have appropriate recovery plans and the necessary support they require.”

The statement said the current job is “a natural progression from the work he did organising the Invictus Games”.

Sky’s Defence Correspondent Alistair Bunkall said Prince Harry had a “pretty distinguished” career within the Armed Forces.

“This is a natural time for Prince Harry to leave the Army. He could be expected to be promoted from Captain to Major next year, at which point he would undertake a nine-month course at the Staff College in Shrivenham. This sets you up for a long career in the Army. It is therefore a moment when a lot of young officers find themselves at a junction: to stay or leave and pursue something else.”

[From Sky News]

Many believed – as I did – that Harry truly wanted to get his promotion and become Major Wales. But the BBC says Harry is “considering his options” and might want to focus more on his charity work now. He’s been working a desk job in London for the better part of a year, hasn’t he? That was partially by design, because he pulled together the Warrior Games from scratch. Also: his military career is believed to have been putting a major damper on his love life. Not only do prospective wives/girlfriends have to deal with the “prince” thing, but they would also have to deal with being a military wife. It would be more romantic to me if he was giving up his military career for a lady, but as far as we know, he doesn’t even have a girlfriend these days.

These are photos of Prince Harry in Newcastle this week, visiting the Armed Forces and Veterans Launch Pad.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.