The Duke of Sussex made the bombshell decision to step down as a senior royal, which signalled the end of the life he has always known. But, Prince Harry, 35, is in fact enduring a much more personal loss – the loss of his military titles and appointments.

Royal sources say the prince has sacrificed “10 years of his life that he gave to serve his country” in a bid to “protect his family”.

A royal source told how Prince Harry would have been “emotional” to wear his red military uniform, which represented his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, for one last time.

A source told People: “That was very emotional for him.

“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.”

Harry was said to have been distraught when the Queen told him that he would no longer be able to retain his military roles after leaving the Royal Family.

As part of the deal thrashed out by the couple and the Queen, Harry has lost his official military appointments including Captain General of Marines, Honorary Air Commandant Royal Air Force Honington, and Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving.

The couple will also lose their appointments as Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors.

Prince Harry has strong ties with the military, having served as an officer in the Blues and Royals from 2006 until 2015.

During his time in the army, he did two tours of Afghanistan.

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The couple will also lose their appointments as Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors.

Prince Harry has strong ties with the military, having served as an officer in the Blues and Royals from 2006 until 2015.

During his time in the army, he did two tours of Afghanistan.

He previously said: “I’ve got the best of both worlds.

“I get to do all this. I can fly helicopters. I can shine a spotlight on the work I want to do.”

In an emotional speech at the Endeavour Fund Awards for injured service personnel last month, Prince Harry revealed his deep attachment and commitment to the military as he steps away from royal life.

He told his audience: “I’ve always got your back.

“I feel lucky to be able to count myself as one of you and am deeply proud to have served among you as Captain Wales.”

The warmth and esteem that Harry and Meghan are held by the military was also evident, when they attended the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall last week.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were treated to a prolonged standing ovation as they attended one of their last public engagements.

They were attending the event in Harry’s role as Captain General of the Royal Marines.

Speaking about the standing ovation, the source added: “It was really an incredible moment.

“It meant a lot to Harry.”

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