Prince Harry has taken over as Captain General of the Royal Marines as his grandfather Prince Philip relinquishes his post.
In his last official duty before retirement, Prince Philip took the salute from a group of fundraising Royal Marines outside Buckingham Palace in August of this year.
Tuesday, Prince Philip undertook his eighth official engagement since his retirement began to meet with Major General Rob Magowan, the outgoing Commandant General Royal Marines, and the incoming Commandant General Royal Marines, Major General Charles Stickland, and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.
The role of Captain General of the Royal Marines is the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, whereas the Commandant General role is the professional head, which comes with the rank Major General.
Buckingham Palace released a statement on Tuesday stating that The Queen “has been pleased to give her formal approval to the appointment of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales as Captain General Royal Marines.”
An official photo of the four was released along with the statement, and the men were wearing the regimental tie of the Royal Marines.
The uniform and insignia that Prince Harry will wear are that of a field marshal. Some are speculating that Prince Harry will wear the uniform at his wedding. As he’s left active military service, he wouldn’t need to wear a uniform.
Prince William was named Colonel of the Irish Guards prior to his 2011 wedding, and he wore the uniform at the ceremony.
Prince Philip had served in the role since 2 June 1953. Before that, the position had been filled by King George V (1901-1936) and King George VI (1936-1952). The title changed from Colonel in Chief to Captain General in 1948.
Prince Harry served in the military for a decade, from 2005 to 2015, in the Army. He founded the Invictus Games in 2014 and has helped the games to grow into a global event.
Why did they skip over Andrew and Edward?
Why Harry? He’s a Grandson.. Hummm. Curious
William & Henry, sons of eldest son and heir Charles. Henry is still in line for the throne after Williams children whereas Andrew & Edward are after them in the line up.
Ahhh. OK. Of course. It follows the line of succession.
Thank you. I really appreciate the information..
I would imagine The Duke of Edinburgh will be around for quite some time yet to give HRH the benefit of his experiences.
*Nods* to the Knights of The Garter… Gentlemen