Prince Harry's military colleagues weigh in on the royal withdrawal
Following the announcement to step back as senior members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have fought an increasing amount of backlash from the media and public who believe the pair are disrespecting the monarchy.
However, some of the military members who served alongside Prince Harry have come to his defense in a number of heartfelt, meaningful posts.
While there has been mixed reactions from the public to the news of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intending to step back from their positions as royal members, others have firmly backed the decision and have voiced their support.
Former British Special Forces soldier Dean Stott said, "The Duke of Sussex has and will continue to hold the utmost respect from the entire military community for his service both in Uniform and out. Say what you want about the current situation but I defy anyone to say this man does not deserve the full respect awarded to a soldier."
Another veteran shared a photograph of him with the duke, writing, "I personally served with Harry in Afghan 2012/13 and think hes a top bloke, hes done amazing things with the INVICTUS games, supporting wounded and injured soldiers so we need to do the same for him. Get behind him when he needs our country and back him in whatever he chooses."
Ex-soldier David Wiseman, who competed in the Invictus games in 2016, and launched the games in 2014 alongside Prince Harry shared his own message.
"Prince Harry has served this country in & out of uniform," he wrote.
"Operated in AFG on the ground & in the air. Been a champion of the Armed Forces Community for many years. His work has supported thousands & inspired millions. Please remember this when commenting on duty.
Prince Harry has served this country in & out of uniform. Operated in AFG on the ground & in the air. Been a champion of the Armed Forces Community for many years. His work has supported thousands & inspired millions. Please remember this when commenting on duty. #PrinceHarry pic.twitter.com/24NpU4NDa4
— David Wiseman (@wiseshow) January 13, 2020
Former Royal Marines commando JJ Chalmers took to Twitter to pinpoint the Duke’s mental health awareness.
"#PrinceHarry served long before he was in uniform," Chalmers wrote.
"And since, few have done more to champion the #ArmedForces Community or have done more to progress the open discussion of #MentalHealth. I’m greatful for his service and won’t forget what he’s done for me & thousands of others."
#PrinceHarry served long before he was in uniform.
And since, few have done more to champion the #ArmedForces Community or have done more to progress the open discussion of #MentalHealth.
I’m greatful for his service and won’t forget what he’s done for me & thousands of others. pic.twitter.com/h9SKeaXy1y— JJ Chalmers (@JJChalmersRM) January 14, 2020
Veteran Micky Yule made a few cheeky statements about the Prince, but ultimately shared his own words in support.
He might have skinny arms 😋 but the Boss is a top lad. I’ll always have the upmost respect for him. Let people get on with there life’s. #PrinceHarry and once you’ve done 2 tours of Afghan come back to me 👊🏼🖤 pic.twitter.com/cfnl4t0BZd
— Micky Yule (@MickyYule9) January 13, 2020
"He might have skinny arms," he wrote, "but the Boss is a top lad. I'll always have the upmost respect for him. Let people get on with there life's. #PrinceHarry and once you've done 2 tours of Afghan come back to me."