The late Prince Philip reportedly issued a blunt four-word warning to his grandson Prince Harry three years before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals. January 8, 2026 marked the sixth anniversary of Harry and Meghan's announcement of their intention to step away from royal duties.
Harry was granted the title of Captain General of the Royal Marines in 2017, a role previously held by Philip for six decades. At the handover, Philip warned Harry: 'Don't f*** it up'. Harry held the role for just three years and two months before stepping down, and is now banned from wearing his ceremonial military uniform.
Following Philip's death in April 2021, Harry described him as a 'legend of banter' and praised his 'service, honour and great humour'. A royal expert noted that Philip initially 'quite liked' Meghan but later compared her to Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee like Meghan. A source claimed much of Philip's anger stemmed 'from seeing Her Majesty upset'.
Harry and Meghan now live in California with their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four. Harry is due to return to the UK later this month for a trial against Associated Newspapers Limited, but reportedly has no plans to see his father, King Charles III, during the visit.
