Prince Harry, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and the nature of British military banter – Washington Examiner

Over Valentines day, Harry, also the Duke of Sussex, was visiting British Royal Marines deployed in increasingly strategic Norway. And the marines had a surprise for their new captain general (ceremonial commander). As Harry entered their winter dugout, he met a makeshift homage to his marriage to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. With the backdrop of light romantic music, carefully arranged candles, and photos of his wedding day, Harry knew what was afoot.

Just watch the first eight seconds of the British Forces TV video below.

Of course, some Americans might be shocked to see military personnel so cheekily teasing the sixth-in-line to the British throne. But this is British military banter in action — it has a cheekier edge than in the U.S.

A couple of other examples I’ve heard about include the time that a troop from the 22nd SAS regiment (Britain’s equivalent of Delta Force) parachuted out of a plane near Las Vegas while wearing Elvis outfits. And then there’s the Royal Marine tradition of going out to the bars while dressed up as women. And, well, quite a few different stories of Royal Marines on nights out in Thailand. But the simple point is that the apex of British military banter is teasing in a creative way. Harry’s arrival and the assembled media scrum made this Norwegian operation one for the history books. Once back on base, the marines are unlikely to have to pay for their beers!

This isn’t to say, however, that British military personnel would apply Harry-level banter to the most senior ranks of the British royal family. As monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is held as an incarnation of British constitution and thus treated with extremely formal respect. Note, also, that Harry was the teasing target, not his wife.

The difference with Harry and the Queen is that he is a different type and rank of royal: a former army officer who served in combat operations in Afghanistan. It also matters that the marines teasing him were enlisted personnel rather than officers. They rightly judged that Harry’s “good lad” (fun-loving) reputation would mean a good reaction.

Regardless, it’s no shock that Harry took the teasing so well. During his time as an officer cadet at the British Army, the prince mastered the art of banter — and I’d ignore the title of this video, just watch him speaking below:

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this story, the Washington Examiner erroneously claimed Princy Harry is third in line for the throne. Prince Harry is sixth in line. The Washington Examiner regrets the error.