Prince Harry has warned military charities they must stop competing for publicity and profile, urging them to put the health of veterans above their “individual brands”.

The Prince, who served in the Armed Forces for a decade, said there must be “no excuses” for the numerous charities aimed at helping veterans failing to align, arguing they are currently losing “good people” from the system.

In a major speech, the Prince warned that veterans needing help with their mental health come up against a “confusing array of support”, with “extra layers and complication” thanks to numerous organisations.

The Prince and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have recently worked to bring charities including Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and Walking with the Wounded together under the banner of Contact, a partner of Heads Together.

Speaking at the Veterans' Mental Health Conference at King's College London, the Prince disclosed he had taken his fiancee Meghan Markle to visit Colchester Garrison, where they heard stories from veterans that “shocked us to our core”.