Prince Harry in his Apache helicopter

Prince Harry in his Apache helicopter

Prince Harry is stepping down from his role as an Apache helicopter pilot.

The British Royal will no longer serve in the Britain's Army Air Corps after completing his duties with the regiment and will instead by assigned a Staff Officer role in London.

Harry served over three years as a pilot in the Air Corps, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan twice for active duty in 2007 and again from September 2012 to January 2013. During his second tour of duty he served in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold.

Harry will retain his rank of captain and remain in the Household Cavalry in his new role.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson told Sky News: "Prince Harry has completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and will now take up a Staff Officer role in HQ London District.

"The Prince will take the position of SO3 (Defence Engagement). His responsibilities will include helping to co-ordinate significant projects and commemorative events involving the Army in London."

Praising the 29-year-old soldier - known in the army as Captain Wales - Lieutenant Colonel Tom de la Rue, his commander in the Air Corps, said: "Captain Wales has reached the pinnacle of flying excellence as an Apache pilot, particularly in Afghanistan and, in the process, has proved to be a real inspiration to the many Army Air Corps officers and soldiers who have come to know him so well over the last two years."

One of Harry's new duties will involve him bringing an international version of The Warrior Games - a sports event in the US where disabled servicemen and women complete against each other - to London.

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