Media reports suggesting that Prince Harry is set to undertake a six-month assignment with the Australian army have been dismissed by royal officials.
On Thursday, an Australian newspaper indicated that plans were in motion for Harry, who is third in line for the throne, to either be formally integrated into an Australian army unit or to undertake an extended visit as an observer.
However, a spokeswoman from his St James’ Palace office stated: “There are no such plans. He remains actively involved in military duties here. It’s business as usual.”
At 28 years old, Harry serves as an Apache attack helicopter gunner in the British army and has completed two tours in Afghanistan.
His second tour sparked controversy upon his return in January when he remarked that his video game skills had assisted him in combat against Taliban fighters.
His first tour was cut short in 2008 due to foreign media revealing details of his deployment, which had been kept under strict confidentiality.
In 2003, during his gap year, Harry spent some time in Australia working as a jackaroo in the outback.
