Sydney, May 7 (IANS): Prince Harry, who recently announced his retirement from the British army, bade adieu to Australia in a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, after having served in the country's armed forces for one month, Efe news agency reported.

Thousands of people gathered at the public event, broadcast by Channel 9, where the 30-year-old prince signed autographs and greeted fans, including a young girl holding a placard that read "Marry me, last chance, Harry," and stole a kiss from the prince.

Prince Harry, fifth in line to the British throne since the recent birth of his niece Charlotte, served with Special Forces commandos in Perth, and with the indigenous soldiers of the North-West Mobile Force.

Kensington Palace announced that Harry would leave the British army in June, after 10 years of service that included two tours in Afghanistan.

After completing his service this June, Prince Harry is expected to spend a large part of his summer in Africa, a continent of great interest to him and where he has volunteered to work in the past.