Prince Harry must get royal role back say parents of war hero who took own life

The father of a tragic war hero who served alongside Harry has called for the prince to have his military roles reinstated.

Derek Hunt says he still has the firm support of serving soldiers and veterans who need him “to fight their corner”.

Harry was stripped of his military appointments when he and Meghan chose to step back from royal duties and move to the US earlier this year.

But his future role in the Royal Family is to be reviewed again in March.

Now Derek – a former soldier whose Army son Nathan killed himself after suffering PTSD – says: “Many veterans would like to see him return. We need him back.

“It’s a shame he is no longer here as he did so much. Nathan had a lot of time for him.” Royal Engineer Nathan, 39, served alongside Harry in Afghanistan in 2008 in a desert reconnaissance unit.

Warrant Officer Nathan won a Mention in Dispatches for his actions locating roadside bombs on secret missions in Helmand.

Days after his suicide in 2018, Harry wrote to Derek, 69, and wife Maria: “I remember our time together with fond memories.

“Not only was Nathan a highly professional soldier but he also had a keen sense of humour.”

Nathan’s parents later met Harry and Meghan at a First World War 100th anniversary charity concert.

Derek, of Lincoln, said: “He gave Maria a big hug and put his arm on my shoulder. He was cut up over Nathan’s death. It meant a lot to us.”

Maria, 67, added: “When he hugged me there was a tear rolling down his cheek. Both he and Meghan showed us genuine compassion.

“Nathan saw terrible things in Afghanistan and Harry must have too. The veterans community need him.”

Prince Harry is still involved in the Invictus Games but his military appointments, including being Captain General of the Royal Marines, ended in March.

Derek, who spent 22 years in the Army, said: “I don’t think he has let veterans down. The Establishment took away his military connections.

“I think he needs that back – for his own mental health too.”

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