Prince Harry sees commandos go through their gruelling paces

LONDON (Reuters) - Prince Harry visited a Royal Marine Commando division on Wednesday to see them in action and present new recruits with the prestigious Green Beret that marks the completion of their training.

Harry, Duke of Sussex and Captain General of the Royal Marines, will witness the simulated rescue of a stranded pilot by the 42 Commando Royal Marines during his visit to their base in Bickleigh, southwest England.

He will then see the final test for new recruits - a 30-mile march to be completed in 8 hours while carrying 40 pounds (18 kg) of equipment each - before presenting the green berets to mark the end of commando training.

The Royal Marines are Britain's elite amphibious fighting force and are deployed to some of the most dangerous conflicts in the world.

Harry, who married Meghan Markle last year, took over the role of their symbolic head from his grandfather Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in December 2017. Earlier this month, Harry visited the marines in Norway.

Harry and Meghan are expecting their first child in the Spring.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by Stephen Addison)