THE Queen’s decision to ban military uniform from Prince Philip’s funeral will be seen as a “significant olive branch to Prince Harry” it has been reported.
The Duke of Sussex had faced the humiliating prospect of being the only senior male in the royal family wearing civvies after losing his honorary ranks.
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
There was also said to be “serious Navy displeasure” at being dragged into a row over Prince Andrew possibly wearing an admiral’s uniform.
Insiders involved in planning for Saturday’s funeral claim the Queen personally stepped in to suggest all senior male royals wear suits and ties.
A military source told The Celeb Report: “It’s the most eloquent solution to the problem.”
Another source confirmed last night that “current thinking is no uniforms”.
Harry, 36, was stripped of his three military titles when he quit royal duty with wife Meghan.
Royal protocol now means the Duke — who did two tours of Afghanistan with the Blues and Royals — can only wear a suit with medals at royal functions.
Writing in the Daily Mail, royal editor Rebecca English said the decision to make everyone where suits will be seen as a significant gesture in the wake of Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview.
She said: “It will, however, be seen as a significant public olive branch to Harry in the wake of his and Meghan’s devastating interview with Oprah Winfrey last month, in which they criticised members of his immediate family and accused the institution of racism.”
She added: “It is believed that there is a genuine desire to try to start to repair stricken family relationships, particularly the rift between Harry and his older brother William, and the funeral of their beloved grandfather may be a good place to start.”
Andrew, 61, was made an honorary Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy in 2015.
He was due to be promoted to Admiral in 2020 to mark his 60th birthday but chose to defer it until he resumes his official duties.
He is currently benched amid controversy over his links with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Celeb Report revealed Harry flew in from the US on Sunday for the funeral of his grandfather, who died aged 99.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
