Prince Harry's Uniform Missing Key Symbol That Andrew, William Wore

Prince Harry's military uniform was missing the letters "ER"—which reference Queen Elizabeth II—as he stood in vigil at her coffin.

The Duke of Sussex joined his brother Prince William and the 96-year-old monarch's other six grandchildren for the ceremony on at Westminster Hall, where Elizabeth has been lying in state.

Harry was only allowed to wear his uniform for the touching ceremony after a last minute climbdown by King Charles III following days of backlash.

However, Prince William and Prince Andrew were both photographed in uniform that bore the letters "ER"—standing for Elizabeth Regina [Queen in Latin]—on the shoulder.

Harry, who served two tours on the front line in Afghanistan, wore a uniform that did not bear those letters when it arrived hours before the vigil, which was on Saturday evening, September 17.

Newsweek understands no explanation was given to the duke about why the symbol was missing but it is the latest in a line of unhelpful episodes at a time when the royals are attempting to outwardly demonstrate unity.

Whether oversight or insensitivity, any emotional impact of the missing symbol will be closely linked to the fact Prince Andrew was not treated the same despite having been accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking victim. The Duke of York denies the allegation.

Out of an olive branch, a new source of potential tension has emerged with just a day to go until the queen's funeral, on Monday, September 19.

Andrew and Harry were originally both barred from wearing military uniform for the funeral itself, only an exception was made for Andrew at a service alongside Elizabeth's other children at Westminster Hall on September 16, 2022.

Harry, as a grandchild, was not invited and so not able to wear his own uniform triggering fierce condemnation of the palace that stretched as far as the likes of Piers Morgan, one of Harry and Meghan Markle's most outspoken critics.

Charles' decision to climbdown was officially announced on Friday, September 16, hours before Prince Andrew strode out in the dress of a Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy.

Later that same day, however, new signs of tension emerged after confusion over Harry and Meghan would be invited to an evening reception for world leaders at Buckingham Palace on Sunday, September 18.

The couple were sent an invitation but were later told the event was only for working royals, though the palace press release referenced "members of The Royal Family" with no caveat about those performing official duties.

Had they gone, it would likely have been an opportunity for the couple to meet President Joe Biden who has arrived in Britain with First Lady Jill Biden, and on Sunday paid his respects to Elizabeth at Westminster Hall.

The controversy over uniforms came as Prince Andrew released his tribute to the queen on September 18, hours before the reception was due to begin.

He said in a statement: "Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one. Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you.

"Mother - of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honouring their respect.

"Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever. I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment.

"I will miss your insights, advice and humour. As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide.

"God save The King."