Prince Harry Losing His Military Titles Is the Hardest Part of Megxit for Him, ‘Finding Freedom’ Says
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is slowly adjusting to his new life in Los Angeles. He and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex relocated after stepping down as senior members of the British royal family. Reportedly, Harry’s struggling with the move and the aftermath of leaving royal life behind. Most notably, losing his military titles.
Prince Harry is an accomplished military veteran
A 10-year military veteran, Harry didn’t go to college. After attending the boarding school, Eton College, he opted to forgo higher education and join the military.
The Duke of Sussex’s military career began with training at Sandhurst, a royal military academy. He completed his officer training in 2006 and over the course of 10 years, rose to the rank of Captain. During that time, Harry completed two tours of Afghanistan and trained as a helicopter pilot.
Even though his time in the military ended, the Duke of Sussex looks back on it fondly. He once commented, “it’s very easy to forget about who I am when I am in the Army.”
Prince Harry lost his military appointments when he stepped down as a senior royal
Before he and Meghan made their January 2020 announcement about stepping back as senior royals, Harry remained involved in the military in his role as the Duke of Sussex.
But during conversations about carving out their new roles, Harry and Meghan had to make concessions. Among them, Harry had to relinquish his military appointments.
According to ET, Harry’s military titles included 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 Navy’s Small Ships and Diving Operations.
Prince Harry’s ‘devastated’ about losing military appointments, ‘Finding Freedom’ says
Losing his aforementioned military titles hit Harry hard, claims a source in the unauthorized biography, Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Family.
“It’s the one that made Harry emotional,” a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in the book.
Not only has Harry taken it hard but it’s supposedly been difficult for Meghan too.
“That’s been a tough pill to swallow, and one that has been the most painful for Meghan to witness him go through,” a source told the authors.
Finding Freedom also says Harry shared his feelings about losing the military appointments with a major at an event. “I am devastated that I am having to step down,” Harry’s quoted as saying in the book.
It’s important to note the Duke and Duchess of Sussex deny contributing to Finding Freedom in any way. However, some royal experts and fans think otherwise.
Prince Harry’s still involved with the military in other ways
Although he no longer has honorary titles, Harry hasn’t completely cut ties with the military. He still runs the Invictus Games, a sports competition for veterans wounded in the line of duty he founded in 2014.
As a retired member of the service, Harry’s barred from wearing his military uniform. However, medals are acceptable at events.
