When Prince Harry officially leaves the army in June, he will have to make the transition from military to civilian life. On Wednesday the royal said he was "determined" to help fellow soldiers adapt to life outside the army, post war.
Harry was speaking specifically about veterans who have suffered mental or physical injuries on the battlefield.
Attending an event for charity Walking With The Wounded, an organisation he has long supported, Harry opened his speech with an enthusiastic "Here we are again!" before announcing that he will take part in a new trek.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry recently announced that he had made a 'tough decision' to leave the army
The royal previously took part in treks to the North and South Poles in 2011 and 2013 with the charity, and was showing his support for their latest expedition around the UK – the Walk of Britain – of which he is patron.
"The public's support for our Armed Forces continues to be extraordinary," said Harry. "However, as the memory of our military commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan fade, we must encourage people to continue supporting our servicemen and women; particularly those who are seeking to transition into civilian life."
"This process can be challenging, as it is for anyone seeking a new career. As I make this transition myself, I'm determined to do all I can to help others," he added.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry spoke about the importance of supporting veterans making the transition to civilian life
At the launch, Harry met five injured servicemen and women who are taking part in the trek. The veterans will walk 1,000 miles around the UK, starting at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland and ending at Twickenham Stadium in London.
Harry, who is due to go on secondment to Australia in April, also announced: "I am delighted to say I will be joining the team for a part of their journey and I'm looking forward to it."
The Prince also reinforced the charity's aims, which are to help rebuild injured soldiers' lives and reintegrate them into society by helping them find new jobs. "Employment is the key to independence and long-term stability for our wounded," he said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Harry will be joining the team for a part of the UK trek
Co-founder Ed Parker also spoke about the trek – dubbed the "Coming Home" walk – saying: "It's time to bring our story, and the story of the people we support, home."
Five injured personnel – Stewart Hill, Scott Ransley, Matt Fisher, Elspeth de Montes and Alec Robotham – will take part in the walk. The group will be stopping to interact with local communities along the way and spread the word about the charity.
