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Topics: News, Prince Harry, The Queen, Royal Family
Ali Condon
Topics: News, Prince Harry, The Queen, Royal Family
Prince Harry has confirmed that he will not wear his military uniform at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday 19 September.
The Duke of Sussex, who had served in the British Army for a decade and completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan during his time as a senior working royal, won't be joining his relatives in wearing the uniform, and will instead opt for a suit.
It was reported earlier this week that only working members of the Royal Family can wear military uniform for the ceremonial events honouring the late monarch over the coming days.
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Since stepping down as a senior member of the royal family back in 2020, Prince Harry has not been entitled to wear the ceremonial uniform to the few events he has attended.
Confirming that he would only be seen in a suit for the remainder of the royal proceedings following Queen Elizabeth's death, a spokesperson for the Sussexes stated: "[Prince Harry] will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother.
"His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II".
Similarly, Prince Andrew has not been wearing his military uniform for the proceedings following Queen Elizabeth's death, since he was stripped of his royal patronages and military affiliations earlier this year.
In January, ahead of his legal settlement, the Queen stripped him of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.
At the service of thanksgiving in St Giles’ on Monday, Andrew was in a morning suit, while his siblings, including Edward who dropped out of the Royal Marines, wore military dress as they processed behind the Queen’s coffin.
But, an exception has been made for Andrew for the final vigil, and he will be allowed to wear a uniform as a “special mark of respect” for the Queen when he stands guard around her coffin.
He is expected to be joined by the Queen’s other children - the King, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex - at the proceedings during the lying in state later this week.
Royal reporter Omid Scobie announced earlier in the week that, unlike Prince Andrew, Prince Harry will not be allowed to wear his military uniform for the final vigil.
A similar issue arose back in April 2021 when both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry attended the funeral of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
At the time, the issue was dealt with by the Queen who decided that no members of the royal family should wear uniform.
It was a break with tradition but seen as the most eloquent solution to the problem.
The Queen's funeral is set to take place on Monday, 19 September, and will be marked as a national bank holiday.