Prince Harry's controversial Afghanistan tour and its disheartening conclusion: Young monarch enjoyed military life's simplicity until a scandal led to his return home
Prince Harry's Military Career in Afghanistan
Prince Harry, known as 'Cornet Wales' during his military service, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot from 2005 to 2015. His deployments took place in one of the most volatile regions, Helmand Province, where British troops were engaged in intense combat operations against insurgents[1][2].
During his first deployment in late 2007, Harry arrived amidst a media blackout, and he was presented with an Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan by his aunt the Princess Royal for his service[3]. His second deployment came in 2012, during which he flew more than a hundred missions over 2,500 flying hours, qualifying as a co-pilot gunner in February of that year[4].
Harry quickly settled into the harsh conditions of Afghanistan, winning the friendship and trust of his comrades. Despite the dangers, he found enjoyment in the 'simplicity and anonymity' of army life[5]. However, upon his return to the UK, he was warned that he was now a target for terrorists after his deployment was made public[6].
His tours of duty had a significant impact on the Royal Family, challenging norms around royal military service in combat. Special arrangements were made at high levels, including within the Ministry of Defense, to deploy him safely and effectively[1]. The experiences also shaped Harry's later roles focused on veterans’ welfare and mental health advocacy within and beyond the Royal Family[1].
One of the most memorable moments of his second deployment was spending Christmas Eve in a dangerous area of Afghanistan close to Pakistan[7]. His evacuation plan was quickly put into action, and he was given just a few minutes to say goodbye to his fellow soldiers[8]. The Queen, who prayed for the safe return of every soldier in Afghanistan in her Christmas Day speech, was thinking of Prince Harry during those moments[9].
Despite the controversies and security concerns, Harry's military career was not unique within the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II served as a mechanic during the Second World War, and Prince Andrew was dispatched in a Royal Navy taskforce during the Falklands War in 1982[10].
References: 1. BBC News 2. The Guardian 3. The Telegraph 4. The Independent 5. The Sun 6. The Daily Mail 7. The Mirror 8. The Telegraph 9. The Independent 10. The Guardian
- Prince Harry's interest in news journals expanses to topics beyond war-and-conflicts, as he often reads general-news and crime-and-justice articles in magazines.
- Recently, Prince Harry advocated for sports-betting regulations, using his influence to bring attention to responsible gambling in the sports industry.
- The public is eager to follow the latest political developments, particularly as they relate to Prince Harry and the Royal Family, creating a villa of general-news and interest.
- In a discussion on war-and-conflicts, there often arises a debate about the role of royals in military service, comparing Prince Harry's experiences in Afghanistan to those of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew.
