The significance of King Charles' new title once held by Prince Harry

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.