Monarch takes on top Marines role formerly held by his son
THE King is to become Captain General of the Royal Marines – the role stripped from Prince Harry after he quit official duties.
There had been speculation that Princess Anne would be given the prestigious position as ceremonial head of the Royal Navy’s elite troops.
The post was held by the Duke of Edinburgh from 1953 until 2017.
It was then conferred on the Duke of Sussex.
King Charles had been lined up to take on the role for some time, but the announcement was delayed until yesterday to coincide with the 358th anniversary of the Marines.
Before Philip, the position had been held by a succession of monarchs – George V, Edward VIII and George VI.
Queen Elizabeth passed it on to her grandson Harry after Philip decided to retire from public life.
But she stripped him of the position following a review of his remaining patronages last year.
Yesterday, in a message to mark the Marines’ anniversary, 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.”
Harry, a former Army officer who served twice in Afghanistan, was bitterly disappointed to lose the honour.
He also lost other formal roles with the military, including Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Command Small Ships and Diving.
The King’s announcement is understood to have nothing to do with any royal displeasure about Harry’s decision to press on with publishing his memoir, which is expected to be critical of the Royal Family.