It’s been almost a week since the world lost HM Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8. In the time since her passing, a lot has happened. Her son is now King Charles III and his wife Camilla is now Queen Consort . Prince William and his wife Catherine Middleton have been given the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prince Harry has been told he isn’t allowed to wear any of his military attire to his grandmother’s funeral despite his 10 years of service and the exception made for Prince Andrew.
So, with all that being said, let’s dive into this powerful picture, shall we?
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Prince Harry would not be given an exception to wear his military attire to HM Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday.
As followers of the Royal family know, Prince Harry was stripped of his military titles following his decision to step down as a senior Royal.
Back in February 2021, it was reported that Prince Harry had officially returned the titles of Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington, and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command to Queen Elizabeth II.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family,” the palace said in a statement at the time.
As the only other non-working royal, Prince Andrew will not get to wear a military uniform except at HM’s final vigil, as a sign of respect.
Sadly, Prince Harry was inexplicably not given the same exemption, which caused some massive backlash on Twitter.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their frustration at the lack of respect for Harry.
” #PrinceHarry not being allowed to wear his military uniform, while his Uncle Edward drips w/unearned medals, is a travesty & an insult to the British military & its veterans. #Shameful ,” one fan wrote.
“Prince Harry’s 10 years service in the British army, including two tours in Afghanistan, had nothing to do with his royal status. He is a war veteran. He should be able to wear the uniform of a retired army officer. This looks petty & vindictive on the part of King Charles’s,” tweeted another.
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On Tuesday, Harry’s rep Ashley Hansen addressed the scandal in the classiest way possible.
“Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother,” the rep said in a statement. “His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears. We respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
On Wednesday, Prince Harry joined his family for an emotional procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, in London.
While walking next to his family members in uniform, many fans felt touched by the powerful images captured and even went so far as to compare the Duke of Sussex to his mother, the late Princess Diana.
“And they thought taking away his uniform would diminish him. It seems that every weapon they try to use against him turns right back on them,” tweeted one fan.
“He has his mother’s spark. They hate what they’ll never have or understand,” said another.
“Wow Harry totally fills that space, he’s so much like his mom, steals the attention without doing anything but existing in greatness,” echoed a different Twitter user.
While it’s clear many fans are upset at the decision, it’s safe to say Harry looks as regal and respectable as ever!
