Major Tom White will start the role – one of the most important in the royal household – next month. A Royal Marines source said it was a “proud moment” and “deeply significant” after the “huge disappointment” of the Duke of Sussex, 36, leaving his position in March when he and Meghan Markle, 39, quit royal duties for a new life in the US.
The source told the Sunday Times: “Tom’s a superstar, and this is a deeply significant appointment by Her Majesty.
“We were delighted when Harry was appointed captain-general.
“Him walking away was a huge disappointment.
“The Royal Marines have felt they’ve been handed from pillar to post but this is a proud moment.”
Prince Philip, 99, who was captain general of the Royal Marines for 64 years before passing on the role to his grandson in 2017, is said to support the appointment.
Harry was forced to give up his military positions when he and the Duchess of Sussex quit as working royals in a move dubbed Megxit – although this is due to be reviewed by the Queen after a year.
But it is thought the captain general role will be handed to Princess Anne.
Harry and Meghan announced bombshell plans to step back as senior royals in January.
The monarch held a crisis summit with Prince Charles, Prince William and Harry to thrash out an agreement with the Sussexes.
The Queen’s grandson and the former actress officially ended royal duties in March.
They are now living in a mansion in California with their young son Archie.
Their careers outside of the Royal Family include a lucrative deal with Netflix to make shows for the streaming service.
