The Duke of Sussex has been given permission to wear military uniform during a vigil at the Queen’s coffin, a decision reportedly made by his father, King Charles III.
The new monarch also requested that the Queen’s eight grandchildren participate in the vigil, which will see them stand in quiet contemplation around their grandmother’s coffin for 15 minutes as a mark of respect.
Prince Harry, who undertook two tours of duty in Afghanistan and served in the Armed Forces for ten years, has been thus far denied the chance to wear his uniform during events as he is no longer a working royal.
Despite being a former Army officer, he has worn civilian dress for official events following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, including walking behind her coffin as it was transported to Westminster Hall to lie in state on Wednesday.
In a previous statement, a spokesperson for Prince Harry said he would “wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother”.
The spokesperson added: “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.”
It had previously been announced that an exception had been made for the disgraced Duke of York to wear military uniform as a “special mark of respect” for the Queen when he stands guard around her coffin during a vigil with his siblings on Friday evening.
He was stripped of his HRH status and honorary military roles earlier this year and is no longer a working royal.
The new Prince of Wales will stand at the head of the Queen’s coffin with the Duke of Sussex at the foot during the vigil on Saturday, both in uniform at the King’s request.
The Queen’s six other grandchildren will be in morning coat and dark formal dress with decorations.
William will be flanked by his cousins Zara Tindall and Peter Philips, while Harry will be with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with Lady Louise and Viscount Severn at the centre of the coffin.
The source said the grandchildren, at the King’s invitation, were very keen to pay their respects.
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