BUCKINGHAM Palace has given Prince Harry the green light to wear his military uniform after “caving to public sentiment”, Meghan Markle’s friend claims.
Omid Scobie – author of Finding Freedom – claims the Palace was pressured into reversing Harry‘s ban after “thousands” complained about Prince Andrew being granted permission to wear military attire.
Prince Harry has been given permission to wear his military uniform for a vigil on Saturday
Meghan’s pal Omid Scobie claims the Palace ‘caved to public sentiment’
The Duke of Sussex, 38, had to wear a morning suit at Wednesday’s ceremonial procession having lost his military titles following Megxit.
But King Charles has now granted Afghan war veteran Harry special permission to appear in uniform for the 15-minute period of reflection at Westminster Hall, where the Queen lies in state.
The ruling was a “one-off” decision by the King as a mark of respect for the late monarch.
Harry had previously been banned from wearing his uniform – despite Andrew being allowed to don his attire as a “special mark of respect” for his late mother while standing guard around her coffin during the Vigil of the Princes.
Earlier this week, Harry hit out against uniform ban – with his spokesman insisting his “decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears”.
Meghan’s close pal Omid has now claimed the Palace has allowed Harry to wear his uniform for the vigil on Saturday after “caving to public sentiment” following complaints from “thousands” of people.
He tweeted: “The reversal follows Harry’s statement saying his ‘military service is not determined by the uniform he wears’, but it is understood the Palace caved to public sentiment after thousands complained about the decision to ban him and not Prince Andrew.”
But it has been suggested Harry has been given the go-ahead as an “olive branch” from King Charles III.
Royal expert Adam Helliker dismissed claims the Palace caved to pressure.
He told The Celeb Report Online that he believes the decision was a “personal” one from Charles.
Mr Helliker said: “It is very much up to Charles who is now in charge of everything and Harry is his son.
“I think he would have said to Harry, if you want to use your uniform, go ahead.
“I think it’s a personal and a family decision, and a good one as Harry, whatever he’s done and ill-judged comments he’s made, he did nothing wrong when he was in the Army.
“As a past serving member, he should be able to use his uniform.
“I think Charles would’ve been the one to make the final decision and say ‘yes, my son was in the Army and you can’t deny that fact’.”
On Saturday, Prince Harry will don his uniform as he joins the rest of the Queen’s grandchildren for a poignant vigil at Westminster Hall, where she is lying in state.
His brother, the Prince of Wales, will stand at the head of the catafalque after becoming first in line to the throne.
It comes as…
- Prince William will lead the Queen’s grandchildren at a poignant vigil at her coffin tomorrow
- Prince Harry will wear his uniform at the vigil after being granted permission by King Charles
- The list of 500 heads of state and dignitaries attending the Queen’s funeral has been confirmed
- Sophie Wessex is reportedly set to take on a number of the Queen’s old roles
- Queen Consort Camilla has been soldiering on with her duties despite breaking a toe two weeks ago
- Entry to see the Queen lying in state has been paused for at least six hours
- A minute-by-minute guide on the Queen’s funeral details has been released
Harry will be at the foot of the coffin – with both brothers in military uniform at King Charles’ request.
He will be flanked by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, while William will have Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips either side.
Lady Louise and Viscount Severn will stand at the middle of the coffin during the powerful 15 minute vigil.
The rest of the royal grandchildren will be wearing morning coats and dark formal dress with decorations, the Palace said.
Princess Kate and Meghan Markle will not feature in the sombre occasion as spouses are not attending.
It is understood the eight grandchildren were keen to pay their respects – as their parents are doing tonight in their own vigil.
There was speculation Harry, who served two tours of Afghanistan, would be blocked from wearing a military uniform as he is no longer a senior royal.
But The Celeb Report confirmed he has been granted special permission for the period of reflection.
The King, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will stand guard over Her Majesty tonight in a tradition known as Vigil of the Princes.
It comes as thousands continue to queue for hours today to file past the Queen’s coffin following her death last Thursday at the age of 96.
Omid Scobie is a close pal of the Sussexes
Harry will be allowed to wear his uniform as he mourns his late grandmother at a vigil on Saturday
