The only living members of Queen Elizabeth II’s immediate family who served in the military during a conflict are Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, however, due to royal protocol, they were not required to wear uniforms for the monarch’s funeral.
Only working royal family members will dress in military uniform for the significant ceremonies taking place during the Queen’s period of mourning, according to Buckingham Palace. Despite being retired military personnel, Harry and Andrew were dressed casually because they had both stepped down from their royal responsibilities.
Veterans in the UK are not permitted to wear uniforms unless they are in an honorary position and have been given permission to do so, in contrast to the US where they frequently do so at formal events. They instead opt to wear their military medals pinned to non-military attire.
At several events over the past few days, King Charles III, his sister Princess Anne, and his youngest brother Prince Edward have all worn uniforms. The procession to Westminster Hall on Wednesday, the vigil held there on Friday, the state funeral and committal service on Monday, and the service of thanksgiving held at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh last Monday were all part of this.
Prince William, the current successor to the throne, was also dressed in uniform.
With the exception of their attendance at their individual vigils at Westminster Hall, which Harry attended on Saturday night with the other grandchildren of the Queen and Andrew on Friday, neither Andrew nor Harry attended these events in uniform.
