Prince Harry ‘angry’ on Armed Forces Day after having military titles stripped

Prince Harry is likely to be "angry and upset" on the first Armed Forces Day since being stripped of his royal titles, a royal expert has said.

Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced on January 8 last year that they would step back from senior positions within the Firm following talks at Sandringham with Prince Charles, Prince William and the Queen.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since relocated with their son Archie Harrison to California, where they have sine welcomed daughter Lilibet, having spent the intervening period living in Canada, in hopes of a more private lifestyle.

As part of the arrangement, Harry lost a number of military titles that several royal insiders have claimed meant a lot to him owing to his five years of service.

Harry lost the following military appointments – Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Bas Honington, and honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy’s Small Ships and Diving Operations.

Armed Forces Day is held to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Saturday, June 26, marks the first Armed Forces Day since he lost his military titles, with several royal commentators saying the day will be tough for Prince Harry.

Brittani Barger, Deputy Editor of Royal Central, a US website focused on news about the royal family told the Daily Star: "I think he will be [angry and upset] knowing he no longer has his military appointments this Armed Forces Day.

"That hurt him deeply when they were taken away from him, especially since he served in the Middle East and works so closely with the military with the Invictus Games and other events."

But another royal commentator has said that most of those who are "serving and have served are likely to deplore the way he has recently, so publicly and so damagingly, attacked the institution of monarchy" following a number of public comments he has made about royal lift so far this year.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: "Harry spent a decade serving in the armed forces which was pivotal in his early life and he founded the Invictus Games which is amazing.

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"We know he was angry when he lost his military links. There are rumours that the knowledge he would lose them led to the 'bombshell' Oprah interview.

"It was probably inevitable after the Sandringham Agreement, but undoubtedly very sad.

"However, the armed forces are proud of their special links with the Crown.

"Most of those who are serving and have served are likely to deplore the way he has recently so publicly and so damagingly attacked the institution of monarchy which he grew up to serve and appears to have abandoned, though what he and Meghan decide to do in future is anyone’s guess."

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Under the arrangement agreed last year, the couple gave up using the HRH titles while Harry also lost his military titles.

He retains the title of prince, having been born one.

A statement from Buckingham Palace issued at the time of the announcement said: "The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

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"While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: "As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role."

They added: "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."

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