Because Of Africa Trip, Prince Harry Will Likely Miss Princess Charlotte’s Christening

Prince Harry will likely miss his niece Princess Charlotte’s christening on July 5, as he is expected to travel to Africa after his military service ends this month. The 30-year-old royal will travel to Africa for a three-month visit to pursue conservation work following his upcoming departure from the army, People reported.

While his exit date has yet to be confirmed, the royal is expected to leave the military life by the end of the month and, in the short term, immerse himself in helping the cause of wildlife in Africa -- including the battle against the illegal trade in animal parts. It’s also been reported that he will head to Namibia to help efforts to save the black rhino.

People also quoted Harry telling the British media about his expectations for the Africa trip. "For me, it's three months of hard grafting, working with animals. To actually get the chance to embed myself with the top vet in southern Africa, travel with him for three weeks and every job he gets called up to do ... That's like my dream."

Princess Charlotte’s christening will be held at St. Mary Magdalene's Church on Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham estate. The church is near Prince William and Kate Middleton’s country home Anmer Hall, and is the same church where William’s late mother, Diana, was baptized, Vanity Fair reported. Palace aides also revealed that the royal christening will be private and limited to family and close friends. Prince George’s christening in 2013 had only 22 guests.

Meanwhile, Harry’s Africa trip will allow him to work closely with the Nature Conservancy -- a charitable environmental organization, and with Save the Rhino Trust, to learn more about saving rhinos and desert elephants, Royal Central reported. The royal has been an active proponent for animal conservation and is an ambassador for United for Wildlife, a wildlife charity that he and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge established to create a global movement for change.

Prince Harry is expected to return to Britain in September.