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Prince Harry’s career in the British forces spanned a decade and during his 10-year career, he rose to ranks in all three services. Prince Harry, 35, has maintained the ranks of Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, Major in the British Army, and Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force since stepping down as a senior royal but has had to relinquish his ceremonial titles.

Prince Harry inherited the ceremonial role of Captain-General of the Royal Marines from his grandfather Prince Philip, 99, following his retirement in 2017.

Harry also held the honorary posts of Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands’ Small Ships and Diving.

However, Harry has had to step away from the titles as he and Meghan Markle carve out a new life for themselves outside the Royal Family.

In the royal exit deal Queen Elizabeth II, 94, approved for Meghan and Harry it was agreed they would enter a one-year trial period from spring 2020.

During that one-year period it was agreed Meghan and Harry were “required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments”, Buckingham confirmed at the time.

This means while Harry is passionate about his military ties and continues to work with British veterans through a number of charitable initiatives, he will not be taking part in the official VJ Day commemorations on August 15.

Prince Philip will step out of retirement to make a rare appearance during the commemorations which are close to his heart.

The Duke of Edinburgh will appear on large screens across the country in a photomontage with other veterans on August 15.

VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) marks the official end of the Second World War as its the date Japan surrendered in 1945.

As a young Royal Navy officer, Prince Philip was present for the Japanese surrender aboard a warship, where he was second-in-command, in Tokyo Bay.

Prince Charles and Prince William will also take part in the national commemorations.

Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

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The service will be broadcast by the BBC and titled “The Nation Remembers”.

A separate programme “The Nation’s Tribute”, will air pre-recorded from Horse Guards Parade in London and will tell the story of those who served in the Far East.

Prince William will appear to pay tribute to the sacrifices of World War Two Allied Forces.

An estimated 71,000 British and Commonwealth citizens died in the war against Japan.

These included more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity.

More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are estimated to have died over the course of the conflict.

Prince Philip made a rare official appearance last month to hand on another of his ceremonial military roles.

The Duke stepped out at Windsor Castle to mark his official retirement from his post as Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles.

The position was handed on to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

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