Prince Andrew will be allowed to wear military uniform at Queen's funeral despite protocol
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As the royal family prepare for the funeral of The Queen, it seems some details of who will be wearing what have thrown up some questions.
According to a new report, non-working members of the royal family are not supposed to wear their military uniforms at the upcoming occasions.
However, it's been suggested that Prince Andrew will be allowed to do so at final vigil for Queen Elizabeth II, while it is not yet clear if Prince Harry will be allowed to do the same.
CONFIRMED: I understand that, unlike Prince Andrew at final vigil, Prince Harry will NOT be allowed to wear uniform at any ceremonial events . 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”.
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 12, 2022
This comes from royal correspondent and Yahoo News journalist Omid Scobie, a personal friend of Meghan Markle, who claims that the Duke of Sussex will be prevented from wearing such attire, even as Prince Andrew is permitted to 'as a special mark of respect' for his late mother.
On Monday (12 September), Scobie 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.'"
UPDATE: Only working members of Royal Family will wear military uniform for ceremonial events honouring The Queen over next week: procession and service in Edinburgh today, coffin procession to Westminster Hall (and vigil that follows), state funeral, final committal in Windsor.
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 12, 2022
The controversy surrounding Prince Andrew, the Queen's second eldest son, revolves around his supposed friendship with wealthy sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The American businessman died in his prison cell in 2019, but subsequent trials have detailed his alleged involvement with underage girls.
Prince Andrew's links to the Epstein scandal stem from a picture he had taken with one of the late financier's victims.
Having already withdrawn from public duties following the scandal, it was assumed that Prince Andrew would also keep a low profile at the vigil to avoid extra scrutiny.
While both men have served in active warzones (Andrew in the Falklands, Harry in Afghanistan) Scobie suggests that only Prince Andrew will be given the honour of wearing his uniform at the vigil.
Both Harry and his wife have been stripped stepped back from royal duties after they left the UK for California.
Andrew has also given up his HRH title, and been stripped of his honorary military roles.
Exact details about the time of the vigil haven't yet been announced, although it is understood that the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall from Wednesday, 14 September, until the day of her funeral, Monday, 19 September.
Prior to arriving at Westminster Hall, a ceremonial procession is due to take place. This will involve the coffin travelling from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where it will then be draped in the Royal Standard with the Orb and the Sceptre placed on top.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has vowed to 'honour' his father, King Charles III, in an emotional statement that was released on Monday.
The Duke of Sussex also penned a touching tribute to his grandmother, stating that she is already 'sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over'.
Featured Image Credit: David Hartley/Shutterstock/PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Prince Harry, Prince William, The Queen, UK News
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