Prince Harry Allowed To Wear Military Uniform for Queen Elizabeth In Drastic U-Turn After Public Backlash

The Royal family and palace officials have had a serious change of heart concerning Prince Harry's right to wear a military uniform with the rest of his family to honor his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

Just days after it was announced that Prince Harry wouldn't be allowed to wear a military uniform for the ceremonial events that lead up to the Queen's funeral, the Duke of Sussex has now been given a last-minute allowance.

Per Mirror, who first broke the news, palace officials announced Prince Harry would wear his military uniform on Saturday in a special tribute to the Queen during her lying-in-state vigil at Westminister Hall.

On Saturday evening, during the lying-in-state, all of the Queen's eight grandchildren are expected to stand in silence for a 15-minute vigil. Initially, Harry was going to be part of this exercise but wouldn't wear his military uniform because he is no longer a senior working member of the royal family.

However, it was reported that Palace Officials intervened in the absurd rule given that Harry's uncle Prince Andrew, who is also not a working royal family member, was given permission to wear his military uniform at Saturday's Westminister Hall vigil "as a special mark of respect."

A source discussed the sudden change in rule, telling the publication, "Common sense has prevailed. It was a ludicrous situation given the Duke of Sussex has served his country and is a highly respected member of the armed forces with everything he has done for veterans."

It remains unknown what inspired the change in the decision, but a royal source told ET Online, "it was a decision made without Prince Harry requesting a change."

On Tuesday, a day after the announcement was made that Prince Harry would be excluded from wearing a military uniform throughout the ceremonial events, a spokesperson for the duke released a statement.

Harry didn't contest the Palace's decision, instead urged mourners to direct all attention to honoring Her Majesty's memory and legacy.

"[Prince Harry] will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring 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," the spokesperson confirmed.

Indeed, during the events of Queen Elizabeth's coffin being taken from Buckingham Palace for a procession through the streets of London before arriving at Westminster Hall, Prince Harry donned a mourning suit. On the other hand, his father, King Charles II, his brother Prince William, his aunt Princess Anne, and his uncle Prince Edward all donned military uniforms.

Also, Harry wasn't allowed to salute his grandmother's coffin, so he bowed his head. Photos of the moment circulated online, and royal fans were pissed at the decision to deny the duke such great honor. Below are some of the comments.

One fan wrote, "The royal family tried to shame #PrinceHarry by denying him to wear uniform only to look petty on a global stage. Harry looked like the king&they looked like his security. Today they changed “protocol ” because they were dragged. Harry didn’t even ask,he said whatever. #GoodKingHarry."

Another internet user commented, "The Whole World is watching the “Tone Deaf” British Royal “Family” deny Prince Harry, who served 10 years in the Military and 2 Tours in Afghanistan the opportunity to wear a Military uniform during His Grandmothers Funeral…Wow."

This netizen added, "Seeing Prince Harry walk with dignity & honour behind his Grandmothers coffin in a non military uniform - despite 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan - simply served to embarrass the others playing dress up."

This royal fan had a bone to pick with King Charles III, writing, "What a way to begin your reign, King Charles. By not allowing Prince Harry to honor his grandmother by wearing his military uniform. There are exceptions to every rule. Petty is as petty does. #PrinceHarryUniform."

This comment read, "With this Prince Harry and the uniform thing Charles is coming off a pretty reactionary king. If optics is all what it's about, Charles should have thought of it BEFORE. Now it just looks like saving face tbh."

The outrage from fans seems understandable as Prince Harry has ten years of service under his belt. The fourth grandson of Queen Elizabeth did two tours in Afghanistan after serving for a decade, and rose to the rank of captain.