39 Times Prince Harry Was in Uniform and You Got Weak in the Knees
Yes, Prince Harry is great with kids, an attentive husband to Meghan Markle, and a shining ambassador for the royal family, but one of the most important things to him is the time he spent in the Armed Forces. His love of all things military-related started surprisingly young, and with his passion project the Invictus Games, it looks set to continue throughout his life, so what better way to celebrate than to take a look at all the most significant times Harry has worn a military uniform?
Highgrove House, 1986
Even at the age of 2, Harry was enraptured with all things military-related, and he and brother William both owned miniature army uniforms. During a photocall at his father's country home Highgrove, adventure-loving Harry also displayed an injury to his nose, which he'd sustained from launching himself off the kitchen table.
Germany, 1993
Knowing how passionate her son was about the military, Princess Diana took Harry with her on a trip to the Light Dragoons in Germany, where he was presented with a uniform of his own and allowed to take part in a simulated battle.
Eton College, 2003
Playtime was over when Harry was at Eton College, and he joined the Combined Cadet Force — a Ministry of Defence-sponsored youth organization that operates through a number of UK schools.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, 2006
Harry had his sights set on a military career, and so he trained to become an army captain at Sandhurst. He graduated in 2006, watched by his grandmother the queen, father Prince Charles, and brother Prince William.
Bovington Camp, 2006
No sooner had Harry finished celebrating his Sandhurst graduation than he was studying to be a leader at Bovington Camp, sleeping in army barracks and living the life he'd always dreamed of.
Horsea Island Naval Base, 2007
As Harry took on more responsibilities as a working royal, he favored military engagements, showing which endeavors would be important to him for the rest of his life.
Afghanistan, 2007-2008
While his brother William's future as king has always been more clearly defined, Harry's role was less rigid, however, his aim was always to fight for his country on the front line, and at the end of 2007, he was secretly posted to Afghanistan, where he was a Forward Air Controller. His duties involved surveillance and calling in air strikes, as well as patrolling the ghost town of Garmsir.
Afghanistan, 2007-2008
Although there was a media blackout surrounding Harry's posting, a photographer was permitted to capture some historic images of the prince at work, rest, and play while he was in Afghanistan — creating a realistic portrait of what life was like for the thousands of men and women in the armed forces who served there.
Afghanistan, 2007-2008
During some downtime, Harry showed off his sporting prowess with a game of rugby.
Afghanistan, 2007-2008
The petrol-head prince was thrilled to discover an old abandoned motorbike and even looked into bringing it back to the UK with him.
RAF Brize Norton, 2008
When Harry's cover was blown and he was withdrawn from Afghanistan, he spoke of his devastation, but he later added that he was leveled by his companion on the flight from Kabul to the UK — a soldier who had lost his leg.
Combermere Barracks, 2008
Three months after his time in Afghanistan, Harry received a service medal, which he now wears for all ceremonial events that require him to wear his military uniform.
RAF Shawbury, 2009
William and Harry both trained to be helicopter pilots at the same time, and they shared a little cottage — living together for the first time since William went away to boarding school at the age of 8.
Remembrance Sunday, 2009
In a sign that Harry was taking on more responsibility, at the age of 25, he joined other family members including the queen and Prince Philip when he laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Until Prince Philip's retirement, Harry and his grandfather would often undertake a yearly engagement around the time of Remembrance Sunday together.
RAF Honiton, 2010
Army fatigues, Army Air Corps beret, and a Help For Heroes wristband: there was no denying where Harry's heart lay when he undertook a military engagement in 2010.
Royal Hospital Chelsea, 2011
In the year that Harry moved into Kensington Palace, he paid tribute to retired veterans at a local engagement in nearby Chelsea.
Bahamas, 2012
It was Harry's first tour on behalf of his grandmother, and not only did we see a more statesmanlike side to the prince but a new look for him too. Because he was touring in the tropics, he wore his tropical dress of his regiment the Blues and Royals on an engagement in the Bahamas.
Jamaica, 2012
Harry proved he was a crack shot during a live fire exercise in Jamaica.
Afghanistan, 2012
In 2012, Harry served in Afghanistan for four months, this time in his capacity as a helicopter pilot.
The Warrior Games, 2013
Another key military moment for Harry was his attendance at the Warrior Games during his tour of North America. Harry was so impressed and inspired that it drove him to set up the Invictus Games just one year later.
Australia, 2013
By 2013, Harry was striking out in his own, representing his family overseas during his trip to Australia.
The Invictus Games Launch, 2014
It took just 12 months to turn a germ of an idea into reality, and proud Harry was on hand in Spring 2014 to launch the very first Invictus Games.
Estonia, 2014
Harry's first trip to Estonia saw him visiting troops participating in Spring Storm NATO military exercises.
Folkstone, 2014
Commemorating the centenary of the First World War was an important engagement for the prince.
Afghanistan, 2014
It was a moving trip back to Afghanistan for Harry in 2014 when he flew back for a Remembrance Service to honor those who had lost their lives in the conflict.
RAF Honington, 2014
Harry now frequently inspects troops on behalf of the queen.
Trooping the Colour, 2015
It's an important staple of the royal calendar, and so we can expect to see Harry on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour for many years to come.
Remembrance Sunday, 2015
Harry and William are an invaluable support to each other, and their shared military background has brought them even closer together.
Armistace Day Service, 2016
Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the armistice in World War I between the Allied Forces and Germany. Because it happened at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, every year in Britain there is a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to honor all those who have been killed in service while fighting for their country. Naturally, it was a key engagement for Harry.
Field of Remembrance, 2016
Harry opened the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2016.
RAF Honington, 2017
As his grandfather Prince Philip has retired, Harry, William, and Kate will be taking on more duties, and in 2017, Harry represented his grandmother at an RAF base.
Trooping the Colour, 2017
In honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 91st birthday, Harry joined the rest of the royal family for the annual Trooping the Colour parade.
Royal Wedding, 2018
The royal looked so handsome in his uniform when he tied the knot with Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19.
Trooping the Colour, 2018
Harry was all smiles as he was joined by his wife at their first Trooping the Colour parade together.
RAF Celebration, 2018
Harry, Meghan, Will, and Kate all color-coordinated their outfits to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force in London.
Fiji, 2018
The Duke of Sussex channeled his inner Prince Charming during his tour of Fiji in 2018.
Field of Remembrance, 2018
The royal stepped out at Westminster Abbey to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
Norway, 2019
Harry visited Norway in February 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Exercise Clockwork, an elite training exercise that teaches military personnel how to operate, fight, and survive in extreme cold weather.
England, 2019
The Duke of Sussex suited up for the Green Beret presentation in England.