Harry not allowed wear military uniform at Queens vigil in huge blow

Prince Harry will not wear military uniform to ceremonial events after the death of the Queen, including the Queen's vigil at Westminster Hall, it is understood.

The decision has been described as a "huge blow" to Prince Harry, who was stripped of his military titles when he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

It is believed that Prince Andrew, however, will be allowed to wear his military uniform to the final vigil of his late mother, despite no longer being an active working member of the family.

Omid Scobie, who co-wrote the biography Finding Freedom about the Sussexes tweeted: "I understand that, unlike Prince Andrew, Prince Harry will NOT be allowed to wear uniform at the final vigil in Westminster Hall. No doubt a huge blow for the Duke of Sussex, who served for 10 years and this morning spoke of the Queen being his “commander-in-chief”.

The five ceremonial events are the Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, the procession to Westminster Hall and service of prayer and reflection, the Vigil at Westminster Hall, the state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the Committal Service at St George's Chapel Windsor.

Prince Andrew will be allowed to wear his military uniform as a "special mark of respect" to his mother, the Queen, at the vigil, but not at any other ceremonial events, including the procession which took place on Monday as the Queen's coffin was transported from Holyrood House to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The hearse bearing the Queen's coffin was followed by her children, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Andrew, however unlike his siblings, who were all wearing military dress, Andrew was instead dressed in a black morning suit.

Andrew gave up his HRH status and was stripped of all his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards after attracting widespread criticism for his friendship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew is a former Royal Navy officer who served in the Falklands War, and he retained his rank as a Vice Admiral despite getting stripped of his other roles.

Earlier on Monday, Prince Harry paid tribute to his “Granny” who he described as having an "infectious smile".

He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude at the moments she met his “darling wife” Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

He wrote: "The first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren.

"I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between."

Prince Harry spent ten years in the armed forces and referred to her in his tribute as his “commander-in-chief”.

Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles when he stepped down as a senior member of the royal family.

These included: Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington in Suffolk, Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command, and Captain-General of the Royal Marines.

This week, OK! celebrates the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy.

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