Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, severed ties with the Royal Family in March and have settled in the USA since leaving their royal roles behind. The couple is expected to remain in the States for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 pandemic makes transatlantic travel unlikely. On November 8, Harry will mark his first Remembrance Sunday away from Britain and since stepping down as a senior royal.
Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years and continues to honour his links to the British military to this day.
During his decade of service, Harry rose to the ranks of Lieutenant Commander of the Royal Navy, Major of the British Army and Squadron Leader of the Royal Air Force, titles which he still holds as a veteran.
While the Duke has held onto the ranks he earned while serving in the military, he had to give up his ceremonial roles as part of his royal exit deal with Queen Elizabeth II.
These included the title of Captain General Royal Marines, he inherited from Prince Philip as well as his role as Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.
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Prince Harry is understood to have been deeply hurt by the decision to strip him of these roles but had no choice given his wish to quit the Royal Family.
Remembrance Sunday is a poignant day for Britain, particularly for those with military links.
In previous years, Harry has joined his fellow Royal Family members for the commemorative service in Whitehall.
During the annual service, which is led by the Queen, Harry is usually among royals to lay a wreath at the cenotaph but this year his will be unable to take part.
The British Legion said at the time: “On Sunday November 8, 2020, the National Service of Remembrance is planned to be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London.
“Places to take part will again be allocated through ex-service and related civilian associations.
“Initial communications were sent out to associations in April 2020 to gather expressions of interest.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are continually reviewing our events and to ensure better clarity on the situation in November, the legion will communicate its full plans for this year’s Cenotaph dispersal in early autumn.”
However, since this statement, London has gone into Tier 2 of COVID-19 restrictions which may impact whether or not the Queen can attend the special service.
After he left the army Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games for injured veterans.
The Games were due to take place in the Hague this year but were postponed due to the pandemic.
The Games have been rescheduled for next March when Harry is expected to travel to Holland to attend them.
