The military ranks that Prince Harry will give up: Loss of his Army titles and appointments are likely to be particularly painful for Prince Harry
- Harry seemed happiest serving in uniform or spending time with fellow veterans
- Buckingham Palace announced he is required to step back under ‘Megxit’ terms
- It means that he will no longer attend his ‘official military appointments’
The loss of his military titles and appointments is likely to be particularly painful for Prince Harry.
The Prince often appeared to be at his happiest either serving in uniform or spending time with fellow veterans.
But Buckingham Palace last night announced that as part of Harry and Meghan’s new arrangement, the Prince is required to step back from his ‘official military appointments’.
The loss of his military titles and appointments is likely to be particularly painful for Prince Harry as he often appeared to be at his happiest when serving in uniform. Pictured: Harry in a Spartan armoured vehicle in the Helmand province, Southern Afghanistan
After training at Sandhurst, Harry was commissioned as an officer in the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals in April 2006.
During his ten years in the Army, he undertook two operational tours of Afghanistan and qualified as an Apache helicopter commander.
His second tour of Helmand, in 2012, is believed to be one of the few times in his life that the Prince truly found contentment away from the restrictions and pressures of Royal life.
Known as ‘Captain Wales’ by his comrades, he proudly told one fellow soldier: ‘I’ve got the best of both worlds. I get to do all this. I can fly helicopters. I can shine a spotlight on the work I want to do.’
After training at Sandhurst, Harry was commissioned as an officer in the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals in April 2006. During his ten years in the Army, he undertook two operational tours of Afghanistan and qualified as an Apache helicopter commander
Harry’s military career ended in June 2015 but he has remained a passionate supporter of the Armed Forces and was handed a number of ceremonial military titles.
His highest profile military title is as Captain General of the Royal Marines, a role he was handed by the Queen in December 2017, succeeding the Duke of Edinburgh.
As the ceremonial head of the elite unit, Harry is entitled to wear the uniform and insignia equivalent to a Field Marshal.
His two-year association compares with the 64-year term of his grandfather.
Harry will also quit his role as the Commodore- in-Chief Small Ships and Diving in the Royal Navy and as the Honorary Air Commandant at RAF Honington in Suffolk.
As the ceremonial head of the elite unit, Harry is entitled to wear the uniform and insignia equivalent to a Field Marshal. Pictured: The Queen smiled at Harry as she inspecting soldiers at their passing-out Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006
Harry’s determination to quit as a senior Royal had already sparked criticism from fellow veterans.
James Glancy, a former captain in the Special Boat Service, last week said that he and military colleagues would not raise a toast to the Duke if he tried to earn money from his Royal position with commercial ventures.
There was nothing in Buckingham Palace’s announcement, however, to suggest that Prince Harry give up his private association and support for a string of military charities, including Walking With the Wounded.
Similarly, Harry could continue his involvement with the Invictus Games for injured Armed Forces personnel and veterans.