Two Reasons That May Stop Prince Harry From Marching With Other Veterans on Remembrance Day
Fans had believed Prince Harry might attend Remembrance Day this year but that might not be the case.
When Prince Harry returned to the UK in August, royal chatter mills started churning about the times he could cross paths with Prince William and Kate Middleton. One of those events was touted to be Remembrance Sunday later this year. It was believed that the Duke of Sussex, a war veteran who had served two tours in Afghanistan, would attend the poignant event. However, that may not be the case.
Since Harry is no longer a member of the monarchy, he won’t be invited to the Cenotaph. “I think that’s very much what we would call a constitutional event rather than a family occasion,” a source told The i-Paper. Although the Duke may not receive a royal invitation, he can still apply to join the thousands of veterans who walk past the memorial and end their march in Horse Guards Parade. But an appearance like that could cause a major security and logistical issue.
The source dismissed the possibility of Harry marching with veterans on Remembrance Day, saying, “Security would be a nightmare.” Apart from this, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams pointed out another issue. “It would be a partial if not a total distraction,” he said. Harry has reportedly accepted that he won’t be able to attend Remembrance Day or any other military events despite being a veteran. Fitzwilliams has claimed it to be a “significant” move and believes it is his way to try and reconcile with the royal family.
“It’s something he feels very strongly about,” Fitzwilliams noted. According to reports, Harry was upset after the royals refused his request to lay a wreath at the memorial in his name on Remembrance Sunday in 2020. “It clearly shows he wants to reach out. I think this is an emollient message,” the royal expert added.
The source, however, mentioned that the Duke still wishes he could be a part of the poignant event. “Would he like to attend the Cenotaph? Would he like to pay his respects in the proper way that people do on Remembrance Sunday and on Armistice Day? Of course he would,” they said, before adding, “He served his country and has the deepest gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, won’t be invited to Trooping the Color either, since they are not a part of the Firm anymore. However, whether family dynamics would change, considering the Sussexes are now in the UK, is left to be seen.
