Prince Harry has been officially announced as the new Captain General of the Royal Marines, a branch of the royal navy, from his grandfather Philip.
On Tuesday, Queen Elizabeth formally approved the handing over of the position to her grandson Harry.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace, it was revealed: ‘With The Queen’s approval, Prince Harry is to succeed The Duke of Edinburgh as Captain General.’
Alongside the statement was an image of Harry with his grandfather. Today marked Philip’s last official duty in the role, and he was accompanied by Major General Robert Magowan, Commandant General Royal Marines, and Major General Charles Stickland, Commandant General Royal Marines Designate. The four took a photograph together to commemorate the occasion.
The statement further read, ‘Prince Harry accompanied The Duke in his final duty as Captain General today, as Their Royal Highnesses received Major General Robert Magowan, Commandant General Royal Marines and Major General Charles Stickland, Commandant General Royal Marines Designate, at Buckingham Palace.
‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s association with the @RoyalMarines dates back 64 years when he was appointed Captain General in succession to The Queen’s father, King George VI.’
As the statement says, Philip was appointed Captain General on June 2, 1953 – the same year Queen Elizabeth II was coronated.
Prince Philip officially retired from royal duties in August after the palace announced his intention to do so in May. His final public engagement before he formally entered retirement was one in his capacity as Captain General, a parade to mark the end of the Marines’s 1664 Global Challenge at Buckingham Palace.
Congratulations Harry!