Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Attend Mountbatten Festival Of Music

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall as they attended one of their final public engagements before they step back as senior royals.

The couple were greeted warmly by members of the Royal Marines when they arrived at the London venue for the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music which showcases the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

The event was likely to be Prince Harry's final official royal duty as Captain General Royal Marines - a ceremonial role he has held since 2017.

He attended the event in traditional Royal Marines Mess dress. 

The Duke and Duchess were given a round of applause ahead of the national anthem, as they took their seats in the royal box at the London venue on Saturday evening.

During the interval, the couple went backstage to meet some of the performers.

Festival manager, Warrant Officer Reg Sheen, said: "The reaction they got from the audience when they arrived was very emotional for the Royal Marines."

He also said it was "absolutely fantastic" to see the Sussexes and that he was "delighted" Harry was Captain General.

This year's event marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 80th anniversary of the formation of Britain’s Commandos.

There was also a special tribute to musical legend Sir Tom Jones, who turns 80 this year.

The Duke and Duchess' goodbye tour has seen them take part in a flurry of appearances, two of them military-linked.

Last week, they attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in London.

In an exclusive interview with Forces News, Harry said he was "incredibly proud" to see how the fund is helping veterans. 

"Everyone needs a purpose," he said last week.

"What we try and do is create opportunities for individuals to be able to excel and shine again.

"No one wants to be defined by their injury."

The Sussexes are due to make their final appearance as senior royals at the Queen's procession through Westminster Abbey at the start of the Commonwealth Service. 

Harry and Meghan will join the monarch, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the church.

However, unlike last year, the couple will go to their seats, rather than waiting for the Queen's arrival.

The couple will step down as senior royals on 31 March and will spend their time divided between North America and the UK.