King Charles III's Coronation: Prince Harry Opts for Morning Suit over Military Uniform

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, made an appearance at King Charles III's coronation wearing a morning suit instead of his usual military uniform. The 38-year-old smiled as he entered Westminster Abbey on May 6, accompanied by his cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice with their respective husbands Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The BetterUp CIO was dressed in a black suit adorned with his military medals. Harry took his seat in the third row, behind his aunt Princess Anne and uncle Prince Edward, after walking behind Eugenie and Brooksbank. However, his wife Meghan Markle stayed back in California with their children, son Archie and daughter Lilibet.

Harry's choice of attire has been a topic of discussion since he returned to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. The Invictus Games founder, who served in the army for 10 years, was unable to wear his military uniform on formal occasions since his honorary military titles were stripped off in 2020 after he stepped down as a senior working royal. For the final vigil of Queen Elizabeth II, Harry was allowed to wear his uniform despite being previously barred from it for the procession to Westminster Hall. In response to the controversy, Harry made a statement, stressing that his decade of military service was not determined by the uniform he wore.

Harry's situation contrasted sharply with that of his uncle Prince Andrew, who had been granted permission to wear his uniform for the queen's final vigil. Commentator Shola Mos-Shogbamimu criticized the inconsistency, citing Harry's distinguished military career and involvement in veterans' support.

Ultimately, the palace appeared to have a change of heart and permitted Harry to wear his uniform adorned with his military medals at the queen's funeral. However, the uniform was missing Elizabeth's royal insignia.