Top general accuses Prince Harry of turning his back on the Royal Marines

Prince Harry has been accused of turning his back on the Royal Marines and criticised for his behaviour by one of Britain’s most celebrated military commanders.

As part of the so-called Megxit deal that saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex step back as senior Royals earlier this year, Harry withdrew from his role as Captain General of the Marines.

However, the prestigious post was left vacant in the hope that he might resume his ceremonial duties next year after a 12-month review of the new arrangements.

But informed sources say the Prince has not been in touch by phone, letter nor email since his last appearance as an honorary Marine in March, prompting exasperated top brass to start considering a replacement.

Last night, Major General Julian Thompson, who led 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 Falklands War, said: ‘I’m not trying to give him a lecture, but he has to take the job seriously and not just say, “Well, I’m still the Captain General and I’m going to live in Los Angeles and never visit the UK.” 

‘It’s wrong. You can’t do that. He is expected to attend events and be around and be as accessible as his grandfather was.’

The Prince, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan alongside Marines, was given the role by the Queen in 2017, succeeding the Duke of Edinburgh who had held the post for 64 years.

Major General Julian Thompson, who led 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 Falklands War, said: ‘He is expected to attend events and be around and be as accessible as his grandfather was’

In a further apparent snub to the Armed Forces, Harry has failed to reply to a personal letter from Lord Dannatt, a former Chief of the General Staff, requesting more support for Britain’s military community. 

Lord Dannatt confirmed he had not received a reply to his note.

Last night, a spokesman for Prince Harry – who has continued his work with the Invictus Games initiative that he set up to support wounded, injured and sick armed forces personnel – did not respond to a request to comment. 

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.