Prince Harry branded 'cringy' for inspecting troops after being stripped of military titles

Prince Harry has come under fire for inspecting troops during his visit to Nigeria with Meghan Markle, despite having been relieved of his military titles three years prior.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games. It was during this visit that Harry was spotted carrying out an inspection of troops at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Footage from the event captured Harry receiving a ceremonial welcome before proceeding with the troop inspection. The act has drawn criticism, with some labelling it "cringy" given that Harry no longer holds his military titles.

Critics took to X, previously known as Twitter, to voice their disapproval. One detractor commented: "This whole thing is a ------ joke.", reports the Mirror.

Another questioned: "Why King Charles can't stop them? They really think it's a Royal Tour. It's cringy."

Echoing the sentiment, another individual remarked: "Harry has only been away playing dress up, pretending to inspect the troops and standing to attention to the National Anthem as though he's still a Senior working Royal representing King and Country."

Not everyone took issue with Harry inspecting the troops. One fan praised his efforts, stating: "This part, though, "Please give our regards to the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Meghan, you cld hear plates smashed on that island. Then Prince Harry inspects troops, and that nearly finish the haters off. NG big up yourself, awesome welcome of HandM displayed thank you."

Another user defended Harry's involvement, stating: "I know there's not a head of state involved but I guess that the head of the military can invite anyone who is his guest to inspect the troops. Prince Harry was invited on this private visit as Patron of the IG so it's up to Nigeria to decide on the programme. Just ignore it! ".

A third individual echoed this sentiment, suggesting Harry was not responsible for the decision to inspect the troops: "How about taking up this issue with those who invited Harry and even allowed him to inspect the troops? Ask them why they saw it fit to bestow such honour on Prince Harry as PH did not ask for all this. So your ? is misplaced."

It is important to note that Harry served two tours of Afghanistan and previously held several military titles, including commodore-in-chief of small ships and diving, honorary air commandant of RAF Honington, and captain general of the Royal Marines. These titles were bestowed upon him by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

However, King Charles made the decision to remove these titles when Harry officially stepped down as a senior member of the Royal Family in 2021.

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