Prince Harry makes dramatic entrance for first Royal Marine duty as Captain General
Prince Harry has made a dramatic entrance when he flies in to meet Royal Marine recruits for the first time as their Captain General – and see for himself the tough training regime which awaits them.
He touched down at the centre in Lympstone, near Exeter, in a Royal Navy Wildcat, a maritime attack helicopter from the Commando Helicopter Force, which provides crucial aerial support to the Royal Marines.
There he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the centre, which selects and trains all Royal Marines officers, recruits and reserves.
After this, he will meet recruits hard at work in the gym and on the gruelling commando assault course.
During the visit the duke will also chat to the Invictus Games Racing drivers – two professionals and four injured ex-servicemen – who compete in two specially adapted Jaguar GT4 race cars in the 2018 British GT Championship.
The team, which includes former Royal Marine Commandos Steve McCulley and Paul Vice, will be using Lympstone on the day for a team bonding exercise.
Harry will also learn about the support services on offer to Royal Marines, like the onsite rehabilitation centre, the Royal Marines charity and a regular family group called Who Let The Dads Out.
The duke is himself a military man, having risen to the rank of captain in the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry, after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006.
His arrival in a helicopter is significant because, like his brother, father and uncle before him, Harry is a military helicopter pilot.
He has served two tours in Afghanistan, during which time he flew Apaches.
Harry will not be accompanied by new wife Meghan Markle when he arrives at Lympstone.
His visit comes at a time when speculation is mounting about whether the Royal couple may soon announce they are expecting their first child.
The pair tied the knot in May – and the rumour mill went into overdrive after Meghan was pictured wearing a dress which appeared to show a baby bump.
It appears the snap was taken at the precise moment the Duchess of Sussex was hit by a stray gust of wind, creating an optical illusion.
However, they have made no secret of their wish to start a family.
And in recent days bookies have seen a flurry of bets anticipating an announcement.
Alex Kostin of betting intelligence site www.bookmakers.tv said: “The odds of Meghan and Harry sharing some good news soon have taken another plunge.
“The latest betting definitely suggests there could be an announcement around the corner and when it comes bookies should brace themselves for the biggest royal betting frenzy of all time.”
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
