Prince Harry’s Heartfelt Farewell to Military Life Leaves Fans in Awe at Final Royal Event
Prince Harry made a significant sacrifice to protect his family when he stepped down from his role as a senior royal, sources have revealed. In 2020, as he and Meghan Markle chose to move away from the spotlight of The Firm and settle in the U.S., Harry had to “give away” a deeply personal part of his life—his military roles and titles.
For Harry, the move meant not only a departure from royal duties but also from the military career that had defined a decade of his life. The youngest son of King Charles openly described his struggles with the pressures of royal life in his memoir, Spare, but sources say the change came with a “painful sacrifice”—relinquishing his cherished military appointments.
In March 2020, royal insiders told People that Harry had effectively sacrificed “10 years of his life that he gave to serve his country” to ensure the safety of his family. That same month, he and Meghan attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, where Harry wore his red military uniform—symbolic of his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines—for what would be the last time. Sources described the moment as “emotional” for Harry, who faced the reality of leaving behind a role he loved.
“That’s 10 years of his life that he gave to serve his country, and he basically has to give it away now because he’s choosing to protect his family,” a source shared, noting the difficulty of Harry’s decision.
After stepping back from royal duties, Harry was informed by Queen Elizabeth II that he could no longer retain his official military roles, which included Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Air Force Honington, and Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving.
Despite the loss, Harry’s connection to the military remained strong. In a poignant gesture, King Charles granted Harry special permission to wear his military uniform at a vigil for the Queen following her death in September 2022. Harry’s service to the military includes two tours in Afghanistan, and he has been an outspoken advocate for veterans’ causes.
The Royal Albert Hall event marked one of Harry’s final public engagements as a senior royal, and it concluded with a standing ovation from the audience and military personnel in recognition of his service. Describing the moment, a source noted, “It was an incredible moment,” adding, “It meant a lot to Harry.” This farewell marked a bittersweet end to his military journey and a new chapter in his life dedicated to family and advocacy.