Prince Harry, Prince Andrew didn't salute at Queen's funeral. Here's why

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were both unable to take part in salute ceremony to the Queen Elizabeth II's coffin during the official burial ceremony since they are no longer working royals.

The Queen was saluted twice: once outside Westminster Abbey and once before her coffin was taken from Wellington Arch in the centre of London to Windsor. The King led his family and numerous military personnel in both salutes.

Prince Harry and Andrew, who were both wearing morning suits, were not allowed to salute because it is a tradition and a duty that is only performed by people who are in uniform.


Prince William, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and Charles all saluted the coffin while wearing military uniforms. However, the Duke of York and the Duke of Sussex remained motionless with their arms firmly at their sides.

The princes were attired in traditional morning suits because they were forbidden from attending most ceremonial engagements in their military uniforms now since they were no longer working royals.

Prior to his grandmother's passing, Prince Harry said he did not want attention focused on his clothing to detract from remembering her life and service.

The King sincerely requested that the focus be kept on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II because his decade of military service is not dictated by the uniform he wears.

The King granted Prince Harry and Andrew special permission to stand guard around the Queen's coffin while it lay in state in Westminster Hall last week. They were both allowed to wear their military uniforms.

During the grandchildren's vigil on Saturday night, Prince Harry, who served two deployments in Afghanistan during his ten-year military career, was permitted to don his Blues and Royals No. 1 uniform.




The Queen's Elizabeth Regina initials were reportedly taken off the shoulder of the Duke of Sussex's military uniform, which apparently distressed him. Additionally, the decorative braided cords known as aiguillettes that go with the cypher have been taken off.

The Queen's children had allowed Andrew to keep the royal aiguillettes and cypher for the vigil the night before.

After quitting the royal family in 2020 to live in the United States with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry had his military titles removed.

Related FAQs

Why were Prince Harry’s military titles removed?
After quitting the royal family in 2020 to live in the United States with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry had his military titles removed.

How many deployments has Prince Harry served in Afghanistan?
Prince Harry has served two deployments in Afghanistan.