Britain's Prince Harry gets award for helping hurt soldiers

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Britain's Prince Harry. REUTERS photo.

Britain's Prince Harry was on Monday awarded a humanitarian prize for his work supporting charities which help injured British and US servicemen and women.

The 27-year-old prince will accept the award from the Atlantic Council at a ceremony in Washington on May 7.

Harry, who himself served in Afghanistan four years ago, is being recognised for his efforts championing forces charities like Walking With The Wounded and Help For Heroes.

St James's Palace said in a statement: "Prince Harry will use the award to pay tribute to British and American veterans' charities for their achievements in helping to rehabilitate wounded servicemen and women and to reintegrate those who have served in the armed forces into civilian life." Harry, who is third in line to the throne, has chosen to accept the award on behalf of himself and his elder brother, Prince William.

Through a foundation in their name, the princes tackle the issue of caring for disabled and wounded servicemen and women.

Harry has recently completed 18 months of training as an Apache attack helicopter pilot and has expressed a determination to return to Afghanistan.

He was hastily withdrawn from his first tour of duty in 2008 when a media blackout was broken.

Harry made his first solo overseas tour in March, representing his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II in her diamond jubilee year in the Caribbean and Brazil.