Prince Harry, 35, served in the British Army for 10 years and flourished as a member of the armed forces. He founded the Invictus Games for veterans and much of his charitable work has been focussed on helping ex-servicemen. The prince will have felt the full force of his decision to step back as he missed out on a royal visit to a rehabilitation centre for the armed forces.

Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William banded together for a rare joint visit to The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) rehabilitation centre on Tuesday.

A Clarence House statement about the visit read: “The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall and meet patients and staff. Stanford on Soar, Loughborough LE12 5QW.”

The royal met staff and patients at the centre during a tour of its facilities.

The DMCR Stanford Hall in Loughborough began treating patients in October 2018, replacing Headley Court in Surrey and the trip would have been right up Harry’s street.

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The centre provides neurological care, occupational therapy and physical rehabilitation using adapted gyms and a specialised Help for Heroes swimming pool complex.

Prince Harry is dedicated to helping members of the armed forces as is clear with his Invictus Games project.

Harry had to relinquish his treasured military titles following his step down as a senior royal.

The Duke expressed his regret at having to give them up in a parting speech he gave at a charity dinner.

He had to step down as captain-general of the Royal Marines, a royal which had previously been held by his grandfather Prince Philip.

According to reports the ceremonial title has been given to Princess Anne following Prince Harry’s withdrawal.

The hardworking Princess Royal is the first-ever woman to hold the post and has made royal history.

One royal expert has described Princess Anne as the “ideal replacement.”

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Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “The loss of this post will undoubtedly be a blow to Harry but the Princess Royal, whose dedication to duty is unquestioned, is the ideal replacement.”

He added: “The Royal Marines have a prestigious history being formed in 1755.

“They are the Royal Navy’s crack amphibious forces and the ceremonial head of the marines, known as Colonel in Chief until 1948 when it became Captain General, has always been held by illustrious royal figures.

“King George V held it as did King Edward V111 and also the Queen’s father King George VI.”

Mr Fitzwilliams added: “After his King George VI’s death, the Duke of Edinburgh was Captain General for over 60 years until December 2017 when it passed to Harry.

“There had been speculation that it might be left vacant for a year after which the Queen will review the arrangements by which Harry and Meghan step down from being senior members of the royal family.

“However, it is reported that the Princess Royal, famed for being a hard-working royal and already linked to over 60 military organisations, will be the first woman to hold the post.

“It has been reported that there will be a handover ceremony in March.”

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