Prince Harry wishes to focus on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
The 37-year-old royal-born Prince, who stepped down from his post as a working royal in 2020, recently broke his silence about the discussions over not wearing a military uniform during the upcoming ceremonial events.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said in a statement to E! News that he will “wear a morning suit throughout the events honoring his grandmother.”
The statement continues, “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 official statement from Prince Harry’s camp comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed Monday that only working members of the British Royal Family who hold military rank will wear military uniforms at the five major ceremonial events leading up to and including the late Queen’s State Funeral.
People noted that this means King Charles III, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward are expected to be in their military uniforms for the mourning events. But, the case is different for the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York, who are both no longer working members of the British Royal Family.
However, Prince Andrew has been given a “special exception” to wear a military uniform at the final vigil, noting that it is a “sign of respect” for Queen Elizabeth II, who “peacefully” passed away on Thursday.
As the discussions over the matter remain apparent, Newsweek recalled that Prince Harry was stripped of his military titles about a year after he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working members of the British Royal Family.
It noted, however, that the Duke of Sussex is one of only two living senior members of the family to have served in active combat. He served ten years in the Army and did two tours in Afghanistan in 2007 and 2012.
The other member is said to be Prince Andrew. He served as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War in 1982.
Meanwhile, Cosmopolitan reported that the decision not to allow Prince Harry to wear his military uniform has caused a stir on social media. The matter is said to have amassed a mixed reaction from the public since it first made headlines.
The outlet said some royal fans have argued that the move is “fair” in consideration of the Duke of Sussex’s current place within the British Royal Family.
However, not everyone has felt the same, with some reportedly saying the royal-born Prince had more than earned his right to wear the uniform, adding that other royals with military titles have not served in the forces.