Prince Harry was left ‘heartbroken’ after Buckingham Palace ‘stripped’ his military uniform of the Queen’s initials before he stood guard over her coffin, report says

Prince William and Prince Harry arrive to hold a vigil in honour of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall on September 17. Aaron Chown/Getty Images On Saturday, Prince Harry joined Prince William and their cousins at a vigil for the Queen.   A decision made by King Charles meant Harry was allowed to wear a military uniform after all.

Harry was reportedly left “devastated” after the Queen’s initials were “stripped” from his uniform. Prince Harry was reportedly left “devastated” and “heartbroken” when his military uniform was returned to him from Buckingham Palace “stripped” of the Queen’s initials before a special ceremony at her coffin.  According to Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor for The Sunday Times, the uniform Harry wore on Saturday at Westminster Abbey was given back to him earlier in the day with a noticeable change – the “ER” initials for Queen Elizabeth were missing.

Representatives for the Duke of Sussex and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.  The Duke of Sussex, 38, was stripped of military titles in 2020 after he and Meghan Markle made the decision to step back from royal life. The choice meant that despite having served 10 years in the British military, Harry was initially not expected to be allowed to wear his uniform to royal events taking place to honor Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on September 8.

Prince Harry arrives to hold a vigil for the Queen on Saturday. Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesIn a statement provided to Insider earlier in the week, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said he would instead be wearing a “morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother. “However, King Charles reportedly decided on Friday that Harry could wear his military uniform as he stood guard of the Queen’s coffin alongside his brother, Prince William, and his six cousins, at a special vigil.

Photographs from the evening showed the Duke of Sussex in his military apparel that was similar to William’s as both had served in the same regiment, according to The Sunday Times. But without the initials, the newspaper reported that an unnamed friend of Harry’s said he was left “heartbroken” about the state of his uniform. Moreover, he nearly opted not to wear it out of “humiliation” as the decision to strip the initials came across as “intentional.

“Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on Saturday. Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesIt’s unclear how the decision to strip the Queen’s initials from Harry’s uniform plays into the reported rift between the Duke of Sussex and the rest of the royal family.  Charles’ decision to allow Harry to wear his uniform comes after his two sons and their wives, Kate Middleton, and Meghan Markle briefly reunited to greet well-wishers and view floral tributes outside Windsor Castle on September 10.

Both seemingly added to speculation that a reconciliation could be on the cards. However, royal historian and commentator Marlene Koeing told Insider that it’s unlikely reunions between the former “Fab Four” was indicative that fractured relationships were on the mend.  “I don’t think there’s been a reconciliation,” Koenig said.

“I’m sure it was insanely uncomfortable for all of them. “Read the original article on Insider.