Charles replaces Prince Harry as Captain General of the Royal Marines
Monarch appoints himself as ceremonial head of the Duke of Sussex’s beloved Commandos… a day after son’s memoir announcement.
King Charles III today appointed himself to Prince Harry’s former role as Captain General of the Royal Marines – a day after the Duke of Sussex unveiled his ‘provocative’ new memoir.
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Harry was reportedly saddened to be stripped of the position as ceremonial head of the Commando regiment following Megxit in 2020. He had been handed the role by the Queen in December 2017, succeeding Prince Philip.
The announcement comes just a day after the Duke of Sussex unveiled his ‘provocative’ new memoir. Billed as a work of ‘raw, unflinching honesty’, the controversial new book will be called Spare – a ‘loaded’ reference to his position as the younger brother of the heir to the throne.
A spokesman for the King declined to comment on the book last night. But it is understood that the Royal Household has already been warned that the 416-page, £28 book is ‘critical of everyone and everything’ and they are ‘dreading’ it.
The King is a Royal Navy veteran, and served alongside the Royal Marines on board HMS Hermes, as part of 845 Naval Air Squadron, completing military exercises in the Western Atlantic and the West Indies. The King holds the honorary rank of Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy.
In a personal message to the Royal Marines as they mark their 358th birthday today, The King said: ‘It is the greatest possible pleasure to assume the role of your Captain General.
‘I am exceptionally proud to follow in the footsteps of so many members of my family over the last three and a half centuries, all of whom held the role with a deep sense of admiration.
‘The Royal Marines have a distinguished and unparalleled history, both on land and at sea. I draw immense inspiration from your courage, determination, self-discipline and a remarkable capacity to endure in the most extreme environments.
‘I feel greatly honoured to become part of the Corps Family and very much look forward to meeting many of you in the near future.
‘In the meantime, this comes with my heartfelt and special wishes for a very happy 358th birthday. Per Mare, Per Terram.’