Before marrying Meghan Markle, Prince Harry had a thriving military career, serving in the British military for 10 years and completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan. On this day 18 years ago in 2006, he officially ‘passed out’ after finishing officer training at Sandhurst Military Academy, and shortly after, he was posted to Afghanistan. In 2007, he was sent to the Helmand province in Afghanistan under a media blackout, but his deployment had to be cut short after just 10 weeks due to a leak of his presence, endangering both him and his team.
This decision left Prince Harry furious, and he found solace in his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy and their favorite getaway destination in Botswana. In 2008, he trained as a helicopter pilot, and in 2012, he returned to Afghanistan for a four-month tour where he served as a co-pilot and gunner in Apache helicopters. Last year, his memoir revealed that he killed 25 Taliban during his second tour of duty and his decision to share this information was driven by his goal to reduce veteran suicides, a cause he has supported for nearly two decades.
Prince Harry’s disclosure of his kills in Afghanistan faced criticism from military figures, with some calling him “very stupid” for sharing such details publicly. However, Harry defended his choice in a interview with US talk show host Stephen Colbert, explaining that he wanted to create a space for veterans to share their experiences without shame as a way to prevent suicides among veterans. Despite the controversy, Harry remains committed to supporting mental health and veteran causes through his various philanthropic endeavors.
Prince Harry’s military career was a significant part of his life before he transitioned to his royal duties and public life. His experiences in Afghanistan shaped his perspectives on the military and combat, and he continues to honor and champion the sacrifices and struggles faced by veterans. Harry’s time in the military also played a role in his personal growth and development, influencing his philanthropic efforts and passion for causes related to mental health and wellbeing among veterans and service members.
Although Prince Harry’s military career is now in the past, his time serving in the British Armed Forces remains a defining chapter in his life. From his training at Sandhurst to his deployments in Afghanistan, his experiences have had a lasting impact on him and shaped his advocacy and charity work. As Prince Harry continues to navigate his public role and connect with various communities, his military service serves as a foundation for his dedication to serving others and making a positive difference in the world.
