The Duke of Sussex, Captain General Royal Marines, has visited the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, in Devon.
His Royal Highness had the opportunity to explore the Royal Marines Base and meet new recruits undergoing training in order to learn more about the process of becoming a Royal Marine.
The Commando Training Centre at Lympstone selects and trains all Royal Marines Officers, Recruits and Reserves. On average, 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 potential officers attend training courses and acquaint courses at the centre every year.
The Duke also met the Invictus Games Racing Team, which includes former Royal Marine Commandos Steve McCully and Paul Vice MC, who are at Lympstone for the day for a team bonding exercise.
The Duke arrived at Lympstone in a Wildcat AH1 Helicopter flown by 847 Naval Air Squadron from Commando Helicopter Force, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, who provide crucial aerial support to the Royal Marines.
His Royal Highness received a ceremonial welcome at the CTCRM before meeting recruits training in the gym and world famous commando assault course.
The Duke also learnt about the support services on offer to Royal Marines, including the onsite rehabilitation centre, the Royal Marines charity and a regular family group called 'Who Let the Dads Out' at which Royal Marines families take time to chat, play and have a cup of tea once a week.
Prince Harry had the opportunity to meet the Invictus Games Racing Team and their specially adapted racing cars. Formed in 2017, Invictus Games Racing is a collaborative project with the Invictus Games Foundation that sees injured ex-service personnel compete in two specially commissioned Jaguar GT4 race cars in the British GT championships 2018 season.
The team comprises four ex-service personnel from the Royal Marines, RAF and the Parachute Regiment, in addition to two professional drivers.
The Duke concluded his day at CTCRM Lympstone with a ceremonial sword presentation on the steps of the centre and gifts from Commandant General Royal Marines, Major General Charlie Stickland OBE.
The Duke of Sussex became Captain General Royal Marines in December 2017 and assumed the role in succession to his grandfather The Duke of Edinburgh who was Captain General for 64 years.
