PRINCE Harry faces a “massive ordeal” after losing his honorary military titles but “can’t be royal and cash in”, his Army pal said today.
Martyn Compton — badly burned in Afghanistan in 2006 and a pal of Harry’s for 15 years — today said he hoped the 36-year-old’s decision to quit the Royal Family was “worth it”.
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Speaking on Lorraine this morning, he said he wished things had been different but said: “(You) can’t be a royal and cash in on it.
“The royal family have said that, which is why everything has happened.”
Prince Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles – including Captain of the Royal Marines – as it was confirmed he and wife Meghan Markle was officially quitting the Royal Family.
And Martyn said it would be a “massive ordeal” for the Duke of Sussex to lose the titles.
He added: “He was very passionate about what he’d done, he obviously served his time and anyone who served time deserves what they’ve got.
“To have that taken away is going to be a massive ordeal for him, it’s a big thing he’s done and, personally, just hopefully it’s worth it for him.”
But the former soldier said Harry was acting in the best interests of his family, saying: “I’m sure he’ll do right by his family.”
Prince Harry, who served in the armed forces for 10 years, which included two tours to Afghanistan, met Martyn in 2006.
The Kent dad-of-two was severely injured when his vehicle was attacked by Taliban forces while serving in Afghanistan that same year.
He suffered third-degree burns on 75 per cent of his body and was shot twice after crawling from the stricken tank. He was in a coma for three months before regaining consciousness and has endured countless surgeries, which continue to this day.
But he rebuilt his life to marry partner Michelle, 40, with whom he has son Archie, nine, and daughter Coral, eight, and is now a full-time racing driver for Stand2 Motorsport.
Harry’s positions as Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving will now be redistributed among other working members of the Royal Family.
It means he will no longer be able to wear the official uniform – instead wearing a suit and his medals for any future events.
The titles he earned during his ten years in the Army are not affected.
Patronages including the Rugby Football Union and National Theatre, which the couple were granted as working royals were also taken away in the announcement today.
Harry and Meghan – who last week announced they were expecting another baby – were reportedly “resigned” to losing their roles.
Since quitting the Royal Family last year, the couple have signed massive deals with both Netflix and Spotify – with an interview with Oprah set to air next month.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
In a statement released by Harry and Meghan, they replied: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
