Queen Elizabeth II Bans Military Attire For Prince Philip's Funeral, 'It's The Most Eloquent Solution To' Royal Family Problems
The attire for Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, April 17, has been set — and it calls for absolutely no military outfits, according to reports.
"It's the most eloquent solution to the problem," a military source dished, noting that Queen Elizabeth II suggested all senior male royals simply wear suits and ties.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams speculated that Prince William will wear the same suit as Prince Harry, who was stripped of his three military titles when he stepped back from his royal duties in 2020, to avoid any conflict.
"This is obviously very sensitive," Fitzwilliams stated. "Anything that distinguished the brothers in that way, which would be so obvious for anyone watching, would probably be avoided. The whole thing we do not want is any form of rift."
Either way, all eyes will still be on the brothers and their interaction, as they have been at odds with each other since Harry and Meghan Markle's "Megxit" last year. Harry's return over the pond also comes after Harry claimed his brother and dad Prince Charles are "trapped" in royal life during his and Meghan's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Despite being in the spotlight together, Fitzwilliams speculated that William, 38, and Harry, 36, will do whatever it takes to make sure the focus at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral remains on the late royal.
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"I'd suggest it would be handled in such a way as it goes totally smoothly without a hitch, and there are no issues," he said. "My opinion is that they would do everything possible to make sure that the spotlight on this very, very important day is where it should be, and that's on truly remarkable achievements of someone with superhuman energy who did so much for Queen and country."
On the other hand, the Queen's decision on suits may not sit well with Prince Andrew — who was made an honorary Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy in 2015 — who requested to wear his military outfit, despite stepping back from his royal duties in 2019 due to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, The Royal Observer reported.
Regardless, it seems that Andrew understands his mother's request, as the Saturday ceremony is solely about honoring and remembering the 99-year-old Duke, who died on Friday, April 9.
"People have opinions and there are ongoing discussions about the right course of action,” a source told the Daily Mail. “The Duke of York is very keenly aware of Saturday’s funeral being a moment for the Duke of Edinburgh, [Her Majesty] and the nation. He has neither wish nor intention to distract from that.”
"The Duke of York will do what is appropriate to the circumstances — he remains stepped back from royal duties,” the insider continued, adding: “Speculation on what he may or may not wear is just that, speculation, and no matters of this nature have yet been decided upon.”
The Sun first reported about the Queen's suggestion of no military attire at her husband's funeral.
