- After stepping down as a senior member of the royal family, Prince Harry had to give up his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines.
- At the Mountbatten Festival of Music, Harry told senior figures in the Marines that he was "devastated" about stepping down as Captain General, and felt he had "no choice" in the matter, according to the Sun—suggesting the royal family made him surrender his role.
- "I feel I’m letting people down," Harry reportedly said.
Today marks Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's last day as senior members of the royal family, after they announced back in January that they would step down. With Harry's departure from the royals came the loss of three of his military titles, as ITV reports: Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands’ Small Ships and Diving. Because military appointments are considered official royal duties, ITV explains, Harry could not hold the roles without being a working royal.
According to the Sun, Harry said he was "devastated" to lose the position of Captain General, and felt he had no say in the decision—which suggests the royal family made him give up his role. An insider at the Mountbatten Festival of Music earlier this month told the paper, "He told people he regretted having to stand down and pretty much said the decision had been forced on him."
"He was being apologetic and did not appear fully at ease," the source continued. "He is a genuine guy and you could see he was upset and emotional as this was one of the last times he would be in uniform among his men and women."
Harry reportedly told senior military figures including the head of the Royal Marines, Major General Matthew Holmes, "I am so proud to have served as the Royal Marines Captain and am devastated that I am having to step down."
"I feel I’m letting people down, but I had no choice," Harry said.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Princess Kate Takes Inspiration From This Unexpected Royal as She Prepares to be Queen"She’s hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring and decision-making," a royal source said.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles a $7,600 Wicker Bag With $90 SneakersAs only she can.
-
Kendall Jenner Gives a Paris Jacket Trend Her L.A. Minimalist SpinIt's chic in any zip code.
-
Why Meghan Markle Sends "Secret Emails" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet "Every Night"Meghan and Harry's kids will be able to access the emails "maybe when they're 16 or...18."
-
The Kardashian Sister Prince Harry Was Almost Set Up With by a Mutual Friend Before He Met Meghan Markle"I walked in and saw her with Princess Beatrice."
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair Is the Star of Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram PostThe little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
-
Princess Lilibet's Cute American Accent Is on Full Display as She Taste-Tests Mom Meghan Markle's JamThe little royal gave her honest review in a seriously sweet Instagram video.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should FaceThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
-
Prince Harry Gave Nephew Prince Louis an Extremely Rare Five-Figure Gift for His ChristeningUncle Harry for the gifting win.
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana"I could have been a complete idiot."
-
Prince Harry Requested "Certain Protection" After Receiving a Shocking Threat Against His LifeBritain's Home Office released new details about a terrorist threat that targeted the Duke of Sussex.
