Prince Harry has addressed recent reports that he is not allowed to wear military uniform to the Queen’s funeral next Monday (19 September), despite having served ten years in the army and touring Afghanistan twice.
A rule is in place banning any non-working royals from wearing uniform to events, however an exception is being made for Harry’s uncle, Prince Andrew (who is also no longer a senior working member of the family following accusations – that he has strenuously denied – that he slept with an underage victim of sex trafficking), when he guards the Queen’s coffin during the Vigil of the Princes. He will be joined by Prince Edward, Princess Anne and the newly proclaimed King Charles III.
A statement shared by royal reporter, Omid Scobie, who authored the Meghan and Harry ‘Finding Freedom’ biography, makes it clear that the prince is very keen for the conversation to remain focussed on the life and loss of his grandmother, as opposed to what he will – or won’t – be wearing next week.
The statement, attributed to a Sussex spokesperson, also stresses that Prince Harry’s links to the army are no less strong due to him not being able to wear a uniform for the momentous and deeply sad occasion.
“Sussex spokesperson: ‘[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’,” the tweet reads.
