[ad_1]
Last week we revealed that Prince William has been invited to become Captain General of the 356-year-old corps if the Duke of Sussex does not return from California to reprise the role. Major General Julian Thompson, a former commander of the Third Command Brigade who led ground forces to successfully retake the Falklands in 1982, said: “The Royal Marines have had sovereigns serving as captains general since GEORGEV, but the actual link dates back to James II.
“In that sense, and for many other reasons as well, the Duke of Cambridge would be perfect. The Royal Marines deserve someone who is an active participant for the role, someone who lives here.
“The point is to have someone who understands and protects us. It cannot be done by someone who has decided to make their life in Los Angeles. It matters.”
He recalled the dedication with which Prince Philip played the role, which he played for 67 years. “The Duke of Edinburgh was very motivated and got involved as much as he could,” General Thompson said.
“When he did, he was one of the guys. He often shared jokes and we were all immensely proud and at the same time at ease in his company.”
He said Philip spent the day in Portsmouth on July 13, 1982, welcoming home the amphibious assault ships HMS Fearless and Intrepid, which carried the brigade’s remains from the South Atlantic.
Prince Philip passed the baton from Captain General to Harry in 2017, but Buckingham Palace had to negotiate a 12-month review earlier this year following his decision to separate from the Royal Family and live in North America. with Meghan and her little son Archie.
Although he remains nominally Captain General of the Royal Marines, under the terms of the deal, he is not allowed to participate in ceremonial engagements until the review period ends in April.
However, last week the Sunday Express revealed how, in anticipation of finding “no reason to alter the current arrangements” next year, high-ranking Royal Navy chiefs have already decided to approach Prince William for office.
Last night, the former Admiral Lord West of the First Sea Lord added: “Prince William is a future King of this country and as such the Royal Marines would be very proud to have him in that position.”
[ad_2]
