Princess Diana’s Funeral: Uniforms and Protocol

In the realm of royal and military protocols, the question of whether Prince Harry would wear a military uniform at Prince Philip’s funeral has been a topic of interest. This article delves into the intricacies of such protocols, drawing comparisons with similar events and providing clarity on the expectation and procedures.

Prince Philip’s Funeral: No Uniforms

At the funeral of Prince Philip, the late consort of Queen Elizabeth II, there was no expectation of military uniforms. The decision was made by the Queen herself, who has the ultimate authority in such matters. It's important to note that the choice of attire is guided by a combination of traditions, respect for serving members of the armed forces, and the specific circumstances of the event.

Respect for Serving Military Personnel

Ethics in military protocol dictate that individuals and members of the royal family should not wear uniforms unless they are currently serving or have been granted the appropriate titles to do so. Therefore, Prince Harry, despite his previous military service, was not entitled to wear a uniform at his grandfather’s funeral. This is a common practice to show respect for the current members of the armed forces who continue to serve and put themselves in harm's way.

Examples from Other Family Members

Looking at other members of the royal family, it is clear that uniforms are not always worn at such private and solemn occasions. For instance, at the funeral of Princess Diana, where 30 people were permitted under COVID-protocols, there is no record of any family members, including the Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) wearing military uniforms. This is in stark contrast to poignant displays at public memorial services where personal respect was symbolized through military attire.

Public vs. Private Ceremonies

The choice of matching the entire family's attire often reflects the nature of the funeral. Public memorials and national services sometimes necessitate a cohesive look, as seen in the instance of Princess Diana's funeral, where many wore black suits or mourning attire. In a private service like this, the focus is more on personal expression and adherence to tradition, explaining why Prince Harry and others are likely to wear lounge suits.

Loss of Titles and Uniform Rights

In the case of Prince Harry, he did not lose any formal titles as a result of his service or transition into a non-working royal role. However, he did give up his honorary military titles, which former royalty can freely hold, entitling them to wear uniforms for significant ceremonial events. His transition to a working royal role, despite his tenure in the army and the titles he earned, now makes it inappropriate to wear a military uniform. This is a similar situation to his brother, Prince Andrew, who also gave up his honorary military titles.

The Privilege and Responsibility of Uniform Wear

Individuals like Prince Harry, who are retired from the army but no longer hold a working royal title, are expected to maintain a level of decorum and subtlety in their uniform wear. At a private funeral, the choice to wear a lounge suit is a clear sign of respect for the deceased and an acknowledgment of the traditions that govern such occasions.

Conclusion

At the funeral of Prince Philip, the presence or absence of military uniforms reflects a complex interplay of royal protocol, military etiquette, and personal respect. Prince Harry, as a retired royal, is fully entitled to wear his uniform if he chooses to, but the context of a private family event likely dictates the suit as a more appropriate choice. This article serves to provide clarity on the customs and protocols surrounding the attire at such significant royal events.