Prince Harry had to give up three military titles in the course of the Megxit. If you believe an insider, he will not get it back as hoped.
Prince William, 38, is to replace his brother as captain general of the Royal Marines, according to the British newspaper "The Express". This was reported to the paper by an insider from military circles. Harry received the position in 2017 and thus inherited his grandfather Prince Philip, 99. He has not been allowed to wear the title since Megxit came into being, as have the designations Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Air Force (2008) and Commodore-in-chief of Small Ships and Diving of the Royal Navy (2006).
In a Megxit statement from the palace in January 2020, Harry would "not have any official duties associated with these roles" in the future. The background: Because Harry's military appointments are linked to royal obligations, he cannot keep the role after the resignation. According to The Sun newspaper, the decision was not made by Harry. The prince regrets the decision and said it "was forced upon him," "The Sun" quoted an insider as saying.
Renewed tension among the royals?
The fact that Prince William is now taking on the role of Captain General is explosive in two respects. On the one hand, it was agreed at the Megxit negotiation that Harry's title would remain untouched for a year. The website of Harry and Meghan Markle, 38, states: "During this twelve month review period, the Duke's official military appointments will not be used as they are gifts from the Sovereign (Queen). No new appointments will be made to appoint them Roles agreed before the twelve month review of the new arrangements is complete. " The deadline would therefore be March 31, 2021.
On the other hand, an appointment of Williams as captain general of the Royal Navy would mean that Harry's hopes of being able to resume his titles after the review year would be dashed. It would be a logical decision by the palace – and a painful one for Harry himself.
Prince Harry and the military
Prince Harry served for almost eleven years, from September 2004 to June 2015. A time that shaped and made him happy – so much so that, according to rumors, he even considered quitting his work for the royal family and remaining a soldier. His ties to the armed forces remained close even after his active career ended. All the more painful for Harry that he had to give up his three important military titles with effect from April 1, 2020. He is no longer allowed to wear his uniform at public events such as Trooping the Color and on Remembrance Sunday. According to the disclosure book "Finding Freedom", Harry claims to be "devastated" about it. He is said to miss his time as a soldier until today.
Sources used: The Express, Daily Mail, BBC, sussexroyal.com
This article originally appeared on Gala.de.