Harry warns Marines recruits to be ready for ‘blood, sweat and tears’

The Duke of Sussex has told young Royal Marines recruits they face “blood, sweat and tears” in the months ahead but are in one of the world’s best jobs.

Harry’s pep talk to the young men came as he visited the Royal Marines’ main training base in Devon for the first time as the outfit’s Captain General.

Harry inspects the ranks at Lympstone, Devon
Harry inspects the ranks at Lympstone, Devon

He watched recruits being put through their paces on a rope course above a freezing tank of water, and saw a number haul themselves out dripping after falling in.

Speaking to another group who are a fortnight into 32 weeks of training to earn the coveted green beret, the duke quipped: “Are you all a bit like rabbits in the headlights? You’re going to need each other, that’s for sure.”

Harry meets the men
Harry meets the men

Harry, a former Army captain who served in the forces for 10 years, added: “It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears.

“Every single time you end up going to bed where you’re crying, or got a sore leg, or an emotional issue to have to deal with – but it is without doubt probably one of the best professions you can ever be involved with.

“You guys are in one of the top jobs, you get to be a marine and get to do everything that comes along with it.”

Harry arrives by helicopter
Harry arrives by helicopter

Harry, who took over the prestigious role of Captain General from the Duke of Edinburgh, was flown to the Royal Marines’ Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, near Exeter, in a maritime attack helicopter.

Wearing a smart casual jacket, shirt, tie and trousers, the former Apache helicopter commander jumped from the Wildcat, flown by 847 Naval Air Squadron from Commando Helicopter Force based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, to meet senior marines.

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