What is the ‘ER’ cypher?
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
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
During their 15-minute vigil at Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin on September 17, 2022, Princes Harry and William, alongside their cousins Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, James Viscount Severn, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were seen. Notably absent from Harry’s military uniform was the “ER” cypher, while he proudly displayed his Afghanistan service medal and those commemorating the Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees.
A source familiar with the situation, speaking to The Sunday Times, revealed that Harry felt humiliated by the removal of his grandmother’s cypher, contrasting with its retention on his brother’s uniform. Reportedly distraught, he even contemplated attending the vigil in civilian attire. This marked his first time in military attire since 2020, and according to the insider, the absence of the “ER” from Harry’s shoulder left him deeply upset.
“He is heartbroken,” they said. “To remove his grandmother’s initials feels very intentional.”
Was the snub actually intentional?
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 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.