Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family have seen lots of transformation, with new titles being inherited and passed along as the line of succession changed. As well as becoming King, Charles has received another new title this week, and it is one rooted in over three and a half centuries of history with the royals.
- King Charles III has been appointed the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, taking on the role of Captain General
- It is a title previously held by Prince Harry, and it was rumored that Princess Anne was set to become the first female to take on the role
- In other royal news, Queen Elizabeth to remain part of new King Charles coins with nostalgic nod
King Charles III will serve as Captain General of the Royal Marines, with the news being announced on the 358th anniversary of the founding of the Corps of Royal Marines.
The Royal Marines were formed on October 28, 1664 during the reign of a different King Charles - King Charles II.
While it was initially thought that the Princess Royal could take on the role – with Anne’s potential appointment being history-making as she would’ve been the first woman ever to do so – His Majesty the King will instead hold the title.
The appointment of the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines has historically been held by the Monarch, including The King’s grandfather, George VI, and great-grandfather, George V.
In a personal message touching on the history of the role, the King said, “It is the greatest possible pleasure to assume the role of your Captain General. I am exceptionally proud to follow in the footsteps of so many members of my family over the last three and a half centuries, all of whom held the role with a deep sense of admiration.”
“The Royal Marines have a distinguished and unparalleled history, both on land and at sea. I draw immense inspiration from your courage, determination, self-discipline and a remarkable capacity to endure in the most extreme environments.”
“I feel greatly honoured to become part of the Corps Family and very much look forward to meeting many of you in the near future. In the meantime, this comes with my heartfelt and special wishes for a very happy 358th birthday.”
The King signed the message off with “Per Mare, Per Terram” – a Latin phrase which means By Sea, By Land.
Charles’ history with the Marines and the Navy make his appointment extra personal.
As Prince of Wales, Charles embarked on a career in the Royal Navy, undergoing training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon, in order to qualify as a helicopter pilot.
His Majesty later served alongside Royal Marines on board HMS Hermes, as part of 845 Naval Air Squadron, completing military exercises in the Western Atlantic and the West Indies.
-
Kate Garraway spreads Christmas joy with rainbow checkerboard dress and pink heelsKate Garraway's patterned jumper dress reminded us that fabulous festive outfits can also be so cosy and comfortable
-
Drew Barrymore says she ‘struggled so much’ mentally with perimenopause, revealing her unexpected symptomsDrew Barrymore has opened up about the mental toll perimenopause has taken on her, explaining the barrage of symptoms she's been hit with since entering this phase.
-
Princess Anne wrapped up warm and chic in burnt orange coat, fluffy hat and mid calf boots for day at the racesThe Princess Royal wore a stunning orange coat with easy-to-style accessories to Cheltenham Festival in 2015 - and she looked so cosy
-
Princess Anne’s purple cape and knee high kitten heel boots was the most *her* outfit for a freezing dayThe Princess Royal's signature style champions practicality and bold colours and her 2016 Cheltenham outfit was the epitome of this
-
Princess Anne's dainty gold drop earrings are her go-to for adding a dash of dazzle to her day to day dressingPrincess Anne loves this pair of gold drop earrings and they're the perfect accessory to add glamour in an understated way
-
Princess Anne was the epitome of cosy elegance in snowy white coat and suede knee high boots for family outingThe Princess Royal wore a beautiful white coat and tan suede boots on Christmas Day last year and showed how timeless these pieces are
-
Princess Anne looked so cosy-chic in her classic camel coat, mid-calf boots and sentimental scarfThe Princess Royal went for her signature timeless style as she enjoyed a day at the races - and her scarf was reportedly a sweet gift
-
Princess Anne’s chocolate brown knee high boots prove comfort and style go hand-in-hand on cold autumn daysThe Princess Royal has just re-worn her trusty brown knee high boots and reminded us that practicality and style are the perfect pairing
-
Princess Anne’s major responsibility that she shares with only King Charles and Prince William is seriously specialThe Princess Royal has many royal duties and one of her key roles is something she shares with only two other Royal Family members
-
Princess Anne’s husband was granted special privilege by Queen Elizabeth after major family change - and only one other adult royal got it tooPrincess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence was one of two royal adults who had an exception made for them by Queen Elizabeth
