Why Prince Andrew, Prince Harry Did NOT Salute Queen Elizabeth II's Coffin — Explained
Prince Andrew and Prince Harry were not permitted to salute Queen Elizabeth II's coffin alongside the senior royal members.
The royal family members joined Queen Eliazbeth II's coffin as the procession to transfer it from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall was held. King Charles III appeared in the important moment alongside Princess Anne, Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry, and other royal members and staff.
In photos obtained by several news outlets, including ET Online, it can be noticed that everyone else except Prince Andrew and Prince Harry saluted the coffin. They, instead, stood as they bowed their heads.
Prince Andrew and Prince Harry were also the only ones not wearing military uniforms.
The decision resonated with Buckingham Palace's announcement that they would not wear military uniforms since the two are no longer working royal members.
However, the Duke of York was exempted in one event, with Buckingham Palace announcing that he would wear his military uniform for Queen Elizabeth II's final vigil "as a special mark of respect."
"Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, will wear a mourning suit throughout events honoring 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," a spokesperson for Prince Harry said.
Prince Andrew and Prince Harry both stepped down as senior members of the royal family.
The Duke of Sussex was forced to give up his honorary military appointments after leaving his senior royal post in 2020.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew was stripped of his affiliations in January amid Virginia Giuffre's accusations against him and his involvement with the late trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein.
Expert Explains Why Prince Harry Cannot Wear Military Uniform
After Prince Harry got denied wearing a military uniform, an expert explained the reason behind it during the September 13 episode of "Good Morning Britain."
As quoted by Independent UK, royal biographer Hugo Vickers said that "things change" as Prince Harry was given the chance to wear it anytime all his life but decided what he wanted to do - and being a senior royal was not part of it.
Per Vickers, Prince Harry lost his chance to become part of the military when he jetted to California. He said that one cannot be captain general of the Royal Marines if they are living outside the UK as that person needs to be visible.
