'Common sense has prevailed': Harry and Andrew win battle to wear military uniforms for Westminster Hall vigils

16 September 2022, 02:16 | Updated: 16 September 2022, 12:27

Prince Harry and Andrew will be able to wear their military uniforms for upcoming vigils.
Prince Harry and Andrew will be able to wear their military uniforms for upcoming vigils. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Prince Harry and Andrew have won the fight to wear their military uniforms for special vigils set to take place in honour of the Queen at Westminster Hall.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Harry, who saw action on the front line during two tours of duty in Afghanistan, had been denied the chance to wear his military uniform as he publicly mourned due to him no longer being a working royal.

Despite being a former Army officer, he has been in civilian dress for official events, including walking behind his grandmother's coffin on Wednesday when it was carried to Westminster Hall to lie in state.

But Palace officials are now believed to have had a change of heart, with a source saying "common sense has prevailed", according to the Daily Mirror.

"It was a ludicrous situation given the Duke of Sussex has served his country and is a highly respected member of the armed forces with everything he has done for veterans," they told the paper.

"It is important that the Queen's grandchildren are all made to feel welcome and comfortable as they grieve their beloved grandmother together."

The Queen's grandchildren - also including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Zara and Peter Philips and Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn - are expected to honour her memory by holding a vigil at her coffin on Saturday.

It will follow the final Vigil of the Princes on Friday evening, which will see the Queen's four children - King Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex - surround their mother's coffin for the 15-minute ceremony.

Read more: 'You could hear a pin drop': Mourners reveal 'breathtaking' atmosphere after paying respects to the Queen at Parliament

Read more: 'Don't cry, you'll start me!' William reveals how Queen's procession brought back memories of Diana's funeral

Harry and Andrew were not allowed to wear their uniforms for the procession.
Harry and Andrew were not allowed to wear their uniforms for the procession. Picture: Alamy

King Charles, William, Harry, Anne, Edward, Philip walk behind Queen Elizabeth's coffin

An exception has also been made for the disgraced Duke of York, who is no longer a working royal but will wear his uniform as a "special mark of respect" for the Queen when he stands guard around her coffin on Friday evening.

He was banned from wearing his uniform following sexual assault allegations which he denies.

It is understood that a row erupted following the reports that Prince Andrew would be allowed to wear his military colours for the ceremony.

On Tuesday, Prince Harry hit back at the rule 'banning' him from wearing his uniform, with a spokesperson saying: "Prince Harry will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother.

"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."

Prince Harry served for 10 years.
Prince Harry served for 10 years. Picture: Alamy

The day before, he wrote of his special memories of the Queen attending his passing-out parade in 2006 when he became an officer in the British Army.

He told of his "first meeting" with his grandmother as "my Commander-in-Chief", and is believed to have been referring to the occasion when she made him grin and blush when she reviewed the cadets.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town.

Residents 'fear for their lives' in third night of Ballymena riots as 'masked thugs set leisure centre alight'

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028

The Lower Broughton Road in Salford.

Rioting erupts and 16-year-old girl arrested in Salford as ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police and 'set fire to car'

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu following their doubles match defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe on day three of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter beaten in the doubles at Queens

In the latest development in the family's ongoing feud, the 26-year-old has reportedly quashed any attempts from the superstar couple to make up

Brooklyn Beckham 'cuts contact' with parents David and Victoria amid family rift over wife Nicola Peltz