Prince Harry's entry into Sandhurst - an update

Published 30 November 2004

Clarence House announced today (30th November 2004) that Prince Harry would be delaying his entry into the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from January 2005 until May 2005 in order to ensure his knee has fully recovered from a recent injury.

An MRI scan on his left knee last week revealed that the bruising that had been troubling Harry for the past few months had completely cleared up. However, to allow time for the knee to regain full strength and to make sure that he is in the right physical shape for Sandhurst, Harry has decided – with the support of his medical advisers and his father – to delay starting his military career for four months until next May.

Prince Harry said: “The specialist has told me my knee has recovered, and with physiotherapy, and strength and conditioning work it should be back to normal soon.

“However, I want to make sure I am 100 per cent physically prepared for Sandhurst, so I have decided to wait until May just to be sure. While I am disappointed that I cannot start as planned in January, I am still very much looking forward to starting my Army career next year.”

Major General Andrew Ritchie, the Commandant at Sandhurst, said today: “Every young man or woman needs to be fully fit when they arrive at Sandhurst in order to succeed on the commissioning course. It is not unusual for officer cadets to delay their arrival for medical reasons, so I fully understand and support Prince Harry’s decision and we look forward to welcoming him here in May.”

Harry first hurt his knee this summer when he accidentally fell down some stairs during training. He subsequently re-injured it in October while coaching rugby to children with the Rugby Football Union.

Dr Rod Jacques, the sports physician who has been treating Harry, said: “Prince Harry developed a bone bruise inside the left kneecap. Following a reduction in his sporting activities this has completely settled, as was shown on the most recent MRI scan taken last week, which also showed no evidence of any other knee injury.

"This week he has started appropriate rehabilitation, under guidance, to build up the strength around the knee with the intention of returning him to full physical fitness. There are no anticipated long-term problems.”

Prince Harry will be spending the period up to Christmas privately. A programme is being put together for beyond the New Year, which will be confirmed in due course.

Related content

Feature

Remembrance 2019

Members of the Royal Family remember the war dead.

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at The Endeavour Fund Awards

You do not have to be defined by your injury or disability. It does not have to hold you back.

07 February 2019
Feature

Remembrance 2018

Find out more about how The Royal Family are marking Remembrance 2018

A speech by Prince Harry at The Royal Foundation Forum

So far today you’ve heard William explain The Royal Foundation model of working together. And Catherine has shared with you, our belief in the value of focusing on the long...

28 February 2018

Prince Harry delivers a message from The Queen at RAF Honnington

The presentation of Colours is an opportunity to recognise historic achievements and to look forward to the future with confidence; a confidence built upon the dedication of...

19 July 2017

Prince Harry launches the 2018 Invictus Games

The Invictus Games are coming to Australia – game on down under

07 June 2017

A speech by Prince Harry at the Heads Together training day in Newcastle

If we are all willing to have these conversations, we will end the stigma around mental health once and for all

21 February 2017

A speech by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the Heads Together event, London 2017

It is no exaggeration to say that conversations – simple conversations – can be life-changing: in a workplace, in your kitchen at home, with a friend, family member or...

17 January 2017
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016

A speech by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for Heads Together on World Mental Health Day

To us, mental health first aid means getting in there early to support people, before what they're going through becomes more serious or even clinical.

10 October 2016

A speech by Prince Harry as the Coach Core apprenticeship scheme celebrates its nationwide expansion

We have a big vision for Coach Core and want to make it possible for young people all over the country to take part in this programme.

07 October 2016

Prince Harry's speech at the closing ceremony of the Orlando Invictus Games

You are all Invictus. You are now ambassadors for the spirit of these games. Spread the word. Never stop fighting. And do all you can to lift up everyone around you.

12 May 2016
News

Invictus Orlando

09 May 2016

Prince Harry's speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games in Orlando

I cannot tell you how proud and excited I am to open the second Invictus games here in America

08 May 2016

Prince Harry speaks in Toronto ahead of the 2017 Invictus Games

I can’t wait to see how Canada embraces the games and rises to the challenge of telling Chapter 3 of the Invictus story

04 May 2016
Press release 28 April 2016

Prince Harry to visit Toronto and Florida

Read more
Feature

The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Find out more about the primary vehicle for Their Royal Highnesses' philanthropic work...

A speech by Prince Harry at an Endeavour Fund reception

Trust them, trust yourselves – for you had the same training.

11 November 2015

A speech by Prince Harry at Fort Belvoir

From that moment, I knew I had a responsibility to help all veterans, who had made huge personal sacrifices for their countries, to lead healthy and dignified lives after...

28 October 2015

A speech by Prince Harry on the Invictus Games at the Ambassador's Residence, Washington DC

Invictus 2016 is going to be a huge success – let’s get out there and let’s make this happen.

28 October 2015
Press release 19 June 2015

An update from Kensington Palace

Read more

A speech by Prince Harry at the Service of Dedication for the Bastion Memorial

The names of the Fallen shine in gold, as they do in our memories.

11 June 2015