Prince Harry returning his remaining military honours has been the “toughest” challenge for him so far, a royal commentator has claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave back their final patronages and appointments after they confirmed to the Queen that they would not be returning as working royals. HeirPod host Omid Scobie explained why the loss of the military roles, in particular, would be devastating for the Prince.
He told listeners: “I think toughest for Harry was, of course, being at that point of no return when it came to his military honours.
“That role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, the patronage role with RAF Honington and the Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving appointment that he has.
“These are things that meant a lot to him.
“This is more than Harry, a senior member of the Royal Family, sixth in line to the throne.”
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Mr Scobie continued: “This is Harry who served on the frontlines, this is Harry that did 10 years in the military.
“This is Harry that fought in Afghanistan on two tours.
“So I think that, more than them being honorary appointments, they were earned appointments.
“When he wore that Captain General of the Royal Marines uniform, he wore it with pride.”
In addition to the military appointments, Harry will also stop being patron of The Rugby Football Union and The Rugby Football League.
However, the Sussexes’ private roles will continue, including the Duke’s patronage of the Invictus Games Foundation.
A statement from CEO Dominic Reid said: “We are proud to have The Duke of Sussex as our patron. The Invictus Games was founded by him, it has been built on his ideas and he remains fully committed to both the Games and to the Invictus Games Foundation.
“His military service and experience, combined with his genuine compassion and understanding for those who serve their countries has raised awareness of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and the role they continue to play in society.
“His work has had an extraordinary impact on the way in which disability, service, and mental health is viewed around the world. And he has been instrumental in changing the lives of many.”
