Prince Harry Reveals New Details About His Time In The British Army
Prince Harry has made no secret that he's very proud of his military background. The Duke of Sussex served for a decade in the British army and did two tours in Afghanistan during his military career. Sadly, the royal is no longer permitted to wear his military uniform now that he and his wife, Meghan Markle, have officially exited their roles as senior members of the royal family, per The Mirror. As one of the terms of his exit from the firm, Harry was stripped of his military titles, which included Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington in Suffolk, and Commodore-in-Chief Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.
Sources previously told the outlet that losing his titles may have been one of the biggest reasons that Harry opted to sit down with Meghan for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they criticized the royal lifestyle. "Harry and Meghan were very cross before Oprah because the final Megxit separation had just been signed off which included Harry not keeping military roles," an insider said, according to The Mirror. "That was what made him so angry. He's very emotional and his military roles were very important to him given that he served."
However, Harry is currently still permitted to wear the military medals that he's earned on his suits during events, per Express. This week, the duke opened up about how the army shaped his entire life.
Harry and Meghan wowed at the Salute to Freedom gala
On November 10, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle attended the 2021 Salute to Freedom gala in New York, per People Magazine. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's appearance came just as the United States was set to celebrate Veterans Day and the United Kingdom Remembrance Day. Harry wore a dark suit and had his own military medals pinned to his jacket while Meghan wore a stunning red dress. The couple also both wore a red poppy pinned to their ensembles, a symbol used to commemorate military members who have died in war.
At the event, Harry spoke out about his own experience in the British army, revealing that he credits that time in his life for helping shape him into the man he is today. "My experience in the military made me who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the people I got to serve with — wherever in the world we were," the royal said. "But in war, you also see and experience things you hope no one else has to," he continued. "These stay with us, sometimes like a slideshow of images." For her part, Meghan was there to support her husband, and even gushed over Harry by telling reports that she's "always proud of him."
The couple's rare red carpet appearance delighted fans and served a good cause as they looked to honor those who have served over the years.