MANY royals wear military uniforms to reflect either their service in the Armed Forces or the honorary military titles they have been awarded.
Here we look at the heir to the throne, Prince William.
Prince William wearing his RAF No 1 uniform
What uniform does Prince William wear?
William served seven years in the military, including more than three years as a search and rescue pilot.
In 2013 he left the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a rescue pilot to focus on charity interests.
The uniform he wears nods to the branches of the armed forces in which he served.
For example, he wore the RAF No 1 uniform with the Garter Sash with RAF Pilot Wings and the Garter Star Chest Order for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
He also wore the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
What are the yellow cords on Prince William’s uniform?
As William is an Aide-de-Camp to The late Queen, his shoulder strap bears the Queen’s cypher.
This is also the reason why he wears the golden braids – better known as an aiguillette – across his right shoulder.
Queen Victoria was the first to institute the appointment of a small group of personal aides-de-camp (ADC), with one of the earliest holders being Prince Louis of Battenberg.
William became Aide-de-Camp to the late Queen on March 17, 2013.
His father, King Charles, was made personal aide-de-camp by the late Queen’s father, King George VI.
Why does Prince William wear a green sash?
The green sash that has been worn by Prince William is the Order of the Thistle.
The Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland.
It recognises men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life.
Why does Prince William wear military uniform?
Members of the royal family who are granted titles and duties on behalf of the crown are permitted to wear their military uniforms during ceremonial events.
In comparison to his brother, Prince Harry, William has not served on the front line as he chose a career as a pilot.
He served a total of seven and a half years in military service.
He began as an officer in the Blues and Royals Regiment before becoming a pilot, training at the Royal Air Force College.
Once he became a qualified pilot, he become a full time pilot with the Search and Rescue Force.
As he is heir to the throne, William was required to carry out more royal duties and officially left his position in 2017.
