Senior royals are required to wear civilian clothes to Prince Philip’s funeral, easing potential tensions over who is allowed to don military uniforms.
Queen Elizabeth II’s decision means that Prince Harry will not risk being the only member of the royal family not dressed in uniform at Saturday’s funeral for his grandfather, who died last week at the age of 99.
Members of the Royal Family often wear uniforms at public events for their honorary roles in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. But the Duke of Sussex lost his military titles when he decided to give up royal duties on the front lines last year.
As a result, the protocol suggests that the 36-year-old, an Army veteran who has served twice in Afghanistan, should only wear a suit of medals at royal events, the British Press Association reported.
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The decision also sidesteps another potential controversy after reports that Prince Andrew was considering wearing an admiral’s uniform at his father’s funeral. The Duke of York retains his military titles, even though he was forced to relinquish royal duties after a disastrous BBC interview about his acquaintance with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
British Prince William, right, and Prince Harry attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at London’s Cenotaph. Senior royals are required to wear civilian clothes to Prince Philip’s funeral, easing potential tensions over who is allowed to don military uniforms. Queen Elizabeth II’s decision means that Prince Harry will not risk being the only member of the royal family not in uniform at the funeral on Saturday, April 17, 2021 for his grandfather, who died last week at the age of 99. .
(AP Photo / Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Windsor Castle, with attendance limited to 30 due to coronavirus restrictions.
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Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Royal Navy for 12 years and maintained close links with the armed forces throughout his life. Military personnel will play a huge role in honoring him Saturday despite the turnout limit.
Members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army plan to participate in the funeral procession. Philip’s crate is carried to St. George’s Chapel on a specially modified Land Rover, which he designed himself.
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Military personnel rehearsed for the event on Wednesday at Army Training Center Pirbright, near London. One of the four Royal Marine horn players who will play “The Last Post” on the service said it was an “honor and privilege” to fill the role.
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“It’s incredibly important. We feel nervous,” Sgt. Bugler Jamie Ritchie. “We feel the pressure, but we channel that and we use that and we are going to put in an excellent performance.”