Prince Harry's Inspiring Message on Military Uniforms: Embracing Identity Beyond Attire

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Prince Harry seemingly referenced his own journey in military uniform while closing out the 2023 Invictus Games.

On the final night of the sports tournament in Düsseldorf, Germany, on September 16, Harry, aged 38, delivered an inspirational speech, celebrating the "magic" of the event. In front of participants and their families, he expressed that the impact of their actions during the week extended to millions worldwide. Observing from the audience, Meghan Markle watched proudly as her husband commended the veterans involved in the Games, acknowledging their bravery and determination despite the injuries they sustained in service to their respective countries. The duke proceeded to emphasize the significance of representing one's nation.

A week ago, I stood before you, sharing the importance of proudly wearing your nation's flag once again. Many of you have expressed to me how deeply this resonated with you," Harry expressed, his hand motioning towards his heart. "For some, the uniform you've been donning this past week will offer a fresh tale to share. And for others, it may infuse new significance into your previous uniform."

Continuing his message, he emphasized, "However, it is crucial to remember that even after all of this, you should not rely solely on a uniform, nor should you ever feel adrift without one. Why? Because everything you require is already within you."

Prince Harry makes a speech during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Karwai Tang/WireImage

Harry's message may have served as a personal reminder to himself. He had a decade-long service in the British Army, with two deployments in Afghanistan, before resigning from the military in 2015. (Harry also co-founded the Invictus Games a year prior.)

Following their announcement in January 2020 about stepping back from their senior royal duties, Harry was stripped of his three honorary military titles: Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington, and Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving.

In September 2022, tension arose when Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Andrew would be allowed to wear his military uniform to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, while Harry was not given the same exception. Andrew, who had been stripped of his military titles and royal patronages due to his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein and sexual assault claims, was granted permission. Harry's spokesperson issued a statement in response, emphasizing that his decade of military service should not be determined by the uniform he wears, and requested that the focus remain on the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.

Thank You!

The palace later announced that Harry would be permitted to wear his uniform during the queen’s final vigil, which occurred a few days before her state funeral. However, during the actual funeral proceedings, Harry opted for a morning suit and walked alongside King Charles III and Prince William in the procession. An exclusive source confirmed to We before the service that Harry had accepted the fact that he would not be able to don his military attire following his departure from the royal family.

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Although it may be disappointing in certain aspects, Harry remains appreciative of the opportunity to be there and pay his respects to the queen. Ultimately, it's just a matter of wearing a uniform," the insider expressed.

When it came to his father's coronation in May, Harry chose to wear a morning suit once more. According to royal expert Christopher Andersen, the choice of Harry's uniform may have caused significant harm to his chances of reconciling with Charles, who is 73 years old.

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Prince Harry