The Secret Meaning Behind Prince Harry’s Uniform Change After Queen Elizabeth II’s Passing

Photo Credit: AARON CHOWN / POOL / AFP / Getty Images
Photo Credit: AARON CHOWN / POOL / AFP / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, 2022, had a large global impact. In the United Kingdom, a period of deep mourning began, drawing large crowds to the Palace of Westminster for their final farewells. Prince Harry, a veteran of the Afghanistan War, participated in a somber vigil with his family to pay tribute to the deceased monarch. The gravity of the event was underscored by his symbolic act of removing the “ER” cypher from his military uniform, adding to the emotional impact of the moment.

What is the ‘ER’ cypher?

Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II imprinted on a metal gate
Metal gate near the Tower of London includes a royal crown and “EIIR,” which stands for “Elizabeth Regina.” (Photo Credit: Robert Alexander / Getty Images)

To comprehend why the removal of the “ER” cypher was distressing for Prince Harry, it’s essential to delve into its significance. “ER” – or “EIIR” – served as the Royal Cypher for Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing Elizabeth Regina, where “Regina” signifies “Queen” in Latin.

Each British monarch possesses a unique Royal Cypher, which is prominently displayed on government buildings, Royal Family-related items, state documents and mailboxes throughout their reign. For seven decades, the presence of “ER” became ingrained in the British public consciousness. With the ascent of Elizabeth II’s son, Charles III, to the throne, the Royal Cypher transformed into “CR” and “CIIIR,” representing Charles Rex, where the latter translates to “King” in Latin.

The transition from “ER” to “CR” is anticipated to unfold gradually.

King Charles III gave Prince Harry permission to wear his uniform

King Charles III sitting in a chair
King Charles III attends the presentation of Addresses by both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, September 12, 2022. (Photo Credit: HENRY NICHOLLS / POOL / AFP / Getty Images)

After Prince Harry chose to step back from his royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, he gave up several high-ranking military roles. These included Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving in the Royal Naval Command, Captain General of the Royal Marines, and Honorary Air Commandant at RAF Honington. He had also previously held the position of personal aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II.

When Prince Harry left the British Royal Family, it was anticipated that he would attend the vigil at Westminster Hall in formal morning suit attire alongside Prince William and their cousins. However, King Charles III later allowed his son to wear his military uniform instead. This adjustment was partly in response to public concerns that arose when Prince Andrew attended a vigil organized by Queen Elizabeth II’s children in his vice-admiral uniform.

The ‘ER’ cypher was removed from Prince Harry’s uniform

Queen Elizabeth II's grandchildren standing vigil around her coffin while members of the public walk through Westminster Hall
Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren stand vigil around her coffin while it lies in state on the catafalque in Westminster Hall, September 17, 2022. (Photo Credit: AARON CHOWN / POOL / AFP / Getty Images)

During their 15-minute watch over Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin on September 17, 2022, Princes Harry and William were joined by their cousins Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, James Viscount Severn, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Harry’s military uniform notably lacked the “ER” cypher, though he prominently displayed his Afghanistan service medal and the medals for the Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees.

A source close to the situation told The Sunday Times that Harry felt deeply humiliated by the omission of his grandmother’s cypher, especially as it remained on his brother’s uniform. Reportedly distressed, he even considered attending the vigil in civilian clothes. This was his first appearance in military attire since 2020, and the insider mentioned that the absence of the “ER” on Harry’s uniform caused him considerable distress.

“He is heartbroken,” the source stated. “To remove his grandmother’s initials feels very intentional.”

Was the snub actually intentional?

Crowd watching the Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace
Red Arrows flypast during the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony at Buckingham Palace, June 15, 2013. (Photo Credit: Mark Cuthbert / UK Press / Getty Images)

While many have taken the removal of the “ER” cypher from Prince Harry’s uniform as an intentional snub, that doesn’t actually appear to be the case, as Queen Elizabeth II’s initials were traditionally only worn by those in active service to her and the British Monarchy.

Under the Royal Family’s dress code, working members who have served in the British Armed Forces must wear their uniform for military affairs. This includes state funerals, Remembrance ceremonies and during the Trooping the Colour.

Prince Harry’s service in Afghanistan

Prince Harry wearing his pilot's helmet
Prince Harry wears his monocle gunsight as he sits in the front seat of the cockpit at the British-controlled flight-line at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, December 12, 2012. (Photo Credit: John Stillwell – WPA Pool / Getty Images)

Prince Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, enrolling in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005 with Alamein Company. He completed his officer training a year later and was commissioned as a Cornet in the Blue and Royals, a regiment of the Household Cavalry. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant two years later.

Following pressure from international media, the British Ministry of Defence revealed in February 2008 that Harry had been deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller, with later reports stating he’d assisted Gurkhas in repelling an attack by insurgents. He also performed patrols in hostile areas. Almost immediately after the announcement was made, Harry was pulled out of the area over fears for his safety and that of his comrades.

A year after graduating from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at Royal Air Force (RAF) Shawbury in May 2010, Harry was promoted to captain. A few months later, in October 2011, he was transferred to a US military base in California to participate in helicopter gunship training. He subsequently returned to the UK, where he became a certified Apache pilot.

In September 2012, Harry return to Afghanistan, this time assigned to Camp Bastion as a co-pilot and gunner with 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps. Within days of his arrival, reports surfaced that threats had been made against his life. Following an attack on Camp Bastion that left two US Marines dead, he was moved to a safe location.

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Harry completed his 20-week deployment and, two years later, retired from the British Army. He has since called his service with the Armed Forces “the happiest times of my life,” and his experience in Afghanistan led him to establish the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for injured active-duty and veteran service members.

Clare Fitzgerald

Clare Fitzgerald is a Writer and Editor with eight years of experience in the online content sphere. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s University College at Western University, her portfolio includes coverage of digital media, current affairs, history and true crime.

Among her accomplishments are being the Founder of the true crime blog, Stories of the Unsolved, which garners between 400,000 and 500,000 views annually, and a contributor for John Lordan’s Seriously Mysterious podcast. Prior to its hiatus, she also served as the Head of Content for UK YouTube publication, TenEighty Magazine.

In her spare time, Clare likes to play Pokemon GO and re-watch Heartland over and over (and over) again. She’ll also rave about her three Maltese dogs whenever she gets the chance.

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