Royal Marines will feel let down

THE news that Prince Harry will be stepping back from royal military appointments does, at least, end the speculation about his role with the Royal Marines.

Given his and Meghan recent decisions, the Queen had little choice but to act decisively, even ruthlessly.

When Prince Harry replaced his grandfather, Prince Philip, as Captain General of the elite and historic Corps last year, it was seen as a double win by top brass.

Harry had proven himself in battle, as a forward air controller in Afghanistan and Apache gunship commander – no mean feat.

While it’s true that some junior ranks made hay of the fact that he did not actually “earn” his coveted Green Beret, the same could be said of Prince Philip, and there was little doubt that his appointment would command respect from rank and file.

And then, there was the “Harry factor”.

The Commandos were struggling to fill gaps in their ranks and it was hoped the regiment’s ceremonial chief would inspire more to join.

Young Marines were genuinely honoured to be handed their Green Berets by Harry. And it was a young Marine corporal with whom he served who invited him to spend a day in the

SBS killing house in Poole, Dorset.

It’s for that very reason, however, that the manner of his departure will be a bitter blow – not just among Marines but also the

RAF and Royal Navy where he also held ceremonial roles.

It’s difficult to imagine any Marine not feeling that he has simply abandoned them.

As Prince Harry knows too well, being a member of the

Armed Forces is about service and duty. In that, they have much in common with the royal family.

And Prince Harry has walked away from both.