Prince Harry will reportedly take over from his grandfather Prince Philip as the head of the Royal Marines.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry

The 95-year-old royal has been head of the Marines since 1953, but is to step down from public engagements later this year, and it has now been reported that the 32-year-old flame-haired hunk is being lined-up for the job.

It would mean Harry - who is dating 'Suits' actress Meghan Markle - would have to make regular trips to Norway and to 3 Commando Bridge in Plymouth.

Sources have said that Major General Rob Magowan, the Commandant General of the Corps, has approved Harry's position, but that Queen Elizabeth - Harry's grandmother - has the final say.

Despite having experience in the armed forces having served as an Apache pilot two years ago, a senior Royal Marine office says the Duke of Edinburgh is a "hard act to follow."

According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, a source said: "The invite if acceptable is for Prince Harry to step into uniform and support his grandfather and eventually take over as Captain General."

Harry previously stood in for Philip at the opening the Royal Marines, 1 Assault Group in Plymouth in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh was full of jokes when he announced his retirement last week.

Making light of the news, he quipped that he is standing down because he can no longer stand up.

A guest at St James's Palace said: "I'm sorry to hear you are standing down."

And Philip, who is known for his witty remarks, is believed to have replied: "Well, I can't stand up much longer."

Although Philip will not accept any new invites or visitation requests during the latter part of the year, he will remain committed to the engagements he has lined up from now until that period, and could attend "certain public events from time to time" if he chooses to.

The official announcement regarding the Royal Knight of the Garter states: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision.

"Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements.

"Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."

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