The Real Reason The Royal Family Members Will Not Wear Military Uniforms To Prince Philip's Funeral
There's been much speculation about Prince Philip's funeral ever since Buckingham Palace announced his death on April 9, 2021. Whether or not his grandson Prince Harry would attend was a big topic of conversation for royal watchers after he and wife Meghan Markle made some pretty shocking claims about his family and their time as senior royals in March 2021. It was then confirmed that Harry will be attending, though Meghan has been advised to stay at home for medical reasons, as she's currently pregnant with the couple's second child. Another head-turning decision was made when BBC reported that Philip's funeral will break with tradition, as he will not lie in state, which means public visitation of his body will not be allowed. However, the Duke of Edinburgh will have a funeral procession.
One of the biggest sources of contention, though, came over whether or not the royals will wear their military uniforms as they say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II's husband, who had an esteemed career in the navy — and several reports have now claimed they will not. Read on to find out why and what makes the royals' clothing choice such a big deal.
The royal family reportedly wants to prevent 'embarrassment'
It's custom for royal family members who have a rank in the military to wear their uniforms during state occasions, such as funerals and weddings. However, ITV reported that will not be the case for Prince Philip's send off. The outlet claimed no military uniforms will be allowed in order to "avoid any embarrassment which could overshadow the funeral." That "embarrassment" is said to be partly linked to Queen Elizabeth and Philip's son, Prince Andrew, as him wearing military garb could become an issue since he gave up his royal duties in 2019 due to his affiliation with the late alleged sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
What Prince Harry will wear has also been a source of contention. When Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back as senior members of the royal family, he had to give up his honorary military titles and, therefore, he and Andrew could have been the only members of the family not wearing uniforms. The Daily Mail also reported the scrapping of uniforms and called it "unprecedented," claiming it was "a last minute decision, approved by the Queen."
A source perhaps said it best to the Mirror. Referencing all the drama that stemmed from Harry and Meghan's tell-all with Oprah Winfrey, they claimed "everyone is hoping any disputes will be parked for another day" and added that the family hopes the funeral can be about "giving the Duke the send off he deserves surrounded by his family." We certainly hope so.