Harry takes over Philip’s Marines role

PRINCE Harry is to take over from his grandfather as Captain General of the Royal Marines.

The Duke of Edinburgh has bowed out after 64 years in the ceremonial role.

Prince Philip’s last solo public duty before retiring in August was to take the salute from a group of fundraising Marines. It was the last of his 22,219 solo official engagements, carried out since 1952.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s association with the Royal Marines dates back to 1953, when he was appointed in succession to the Queen’s father, George VI.

His final duty as Captain General yesterday was to receive Major General Robert Magowan, the outgoing Commandant General Royal Marines, and his replacement Major General Charles Stickland at Buckingham Palace.