Prince Harry leaving the armed forced to pursue conservation projects in Africa

Reports also suggest he will engage in programmes to aid the rehabilitation of injured service personnel

Prince Harry has told of witnessing the 'horrors' of war (Getty)

Prince Harry is set to stand down from his role in the armed forces later this year, it has been reported.

Having served two tours of duty on the front line in Afghanistan, the royal has made the decision to end his military career in order to focus his attention on charity work in Africa, as well as pursue his interests in wildlife and conservation.

“It’s a natural progression from the work he did organising the Invictus Games. This involves working alongside case officers in London District’s personal recovery unit and visiting various recovery centres and partner agencies (such as forces charities and the NHS) around the country.”

A senior source added: “The Prince thought long and hard about his decision to leave active military service but, having served his country on two tours of duty, he felt the time was right to leave. He has loved his time serving.

“Officials are still working on the precise timings but he will leave the military this year after serving Down Under. Before that he will travel to both countries and be based there and is very much looking forward to that.

“The exact timings have not been finalised yet, but are expected to be announced officially very soon.”

Before the end of his service, Prince Harry is expected to move to Australia for “several weeks” to serve with units there.

It is then thought he will move to spend some time in New Zealand.