Why didn’t Prince Harry salute at the Queen’s funeral?

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral: As seen in photos, Prince Harry did not salute like the other members of the royal family. Here's why.

Why didn’t Prince Harry salute at the Queen’s funeral?

The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II was held on Monday 19 September and her grandson Prince Harry notably did not salute like the other members of the royal family. Here’s why. 

WHY PRINCE HARRY DID NOT SALUTE AT QUEEN’S FUNERAL 

King Charles III led the procession behind the Queen’s coffin with other members of the royal family. Photos from the procession show that King Charles III, Prince William, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward have saluted during the procession. 

Queen
Queen Elizabeth II’s casket bouquet featured flowers from her wedding. Image via Twitter @RoyalFamily.

While Prince Harry, dressed in a black morning suit, not military uniform, didn’t salute. A salute is military custom – which involves an individual raising their arm to the side of their head. This is a superior rank as a sign of respect.

So, why didn’t Prince Harry salute? Hello Magazine reports that wasn’t able to salute because he was stripped of his military titles when he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. 

The Duke of Sussex spent 10 years in the armed forces. According to the royal website, he served two tours of Afghanistan, and worked his way through the ranks, being promoted to lieutenant in 2008, and captain in 2011. Prince Harry left the army in 2015 but he continued to work closely with servicemen, women and veterans through The Invictus Games. This is an international sport event created by the Duke in 2014.

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WHY DID THE DUKE WEAR A MORNING SUIT AND NOT MILITARY UNIFORM 

Prince Harry’s military uniform has made headlines during the period of mourning for the Queen. The duke was given permission to wear his Blues and Royals No. 1 dress uniform for a vigil Queen Elizabeth’s eight grandchildren held over the weekend. However, he wore a morning suit for Her Majesty’s funeral. 

According to Page Six, the palace previously announced that the military uniform could only be worn at the funeral by working members of the royal family who hold military rank. 

“Disgraced” Prince Andrew was also not dressed in military uniform as he is also not a working member of the royal family.

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