Prince Harry Takes Over Prince Philip’s Top Navy Role

Just when you thought Prince Harry's year couldn't get any busier, Queen Elizabeth has officially confirmed the 33-year-old is taking the over reigns on behalf of Prince Philip, who retired from royal duties in May. Her Majesty made the announcement on Tuesday, Dec. 19, revealing that newly-engaged Harry has been given the new title of Captain General Royal Marines, which was previously held by his 96-year-old grandfather.

"The Queen has approved the appointment of Prince Harry as Captain General of the Royal Marines in succession to The Duke of Edinburgh," the official announcement stated, alongside a photo of Prince Harry with Prince Philip on his last official outing as the Captain General this week. "Prince Harry accompanied The Duke in his final duty as Captain General today, as Their Royal Highnesses received the incoming and outgoing Commandants General @RoyalMarines at Buckingham Palace."

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Prince Harry has never actually been a member of the navy, but is extremely passionate about veterans after serving in the army for a decade. He's also spent much of his royal career spearheading initiatives for injured servicemen and women. His biggest success to date is the Invictus Games, an annual Olympics-style event for wounded servicemen and women. Prince Philip has held the top job for 64 years after being handed down the coveted title from King George VI in 1953.

The Queen's husband boasts an impressive career in the royal navy, after joining the ranks when he was just 18 years old. In World War II, he served as a midshipman and also worked on on the battleship HMS Ramillies, before being posted on HMS Kent and HMS Shropshire. Philip moved up the ranks, eventually becoming a lieutenant in July 1942. He famously ended his career in the navy when his wife took to the throne in 1952. In 2011, the Duke was bestowed the honor of becoming Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom. Congratulations to Prince Harry on this latest achievement!

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This post was written by Bella Brennan. It originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.