Prince Harry’s absence from the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph has sparked a fierce reaction among royal fans, with some arguing that his military service made his place at the annual commemoration all the more significant.
As King Charles led the nation in paying tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict, the Duke of Sussex was noticeably absent from the gathering of working royals at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
For some viewers, his absence became even more striking when veterans connected to the Invictus Games appeared in the Remembrance Parade.
Prince Harry did not attend Remembrance Sunday (Image: Getty)
Fans Say Harry ‘Should Be There’
Prince Harry served in the armed forces for ten years and completed two frontline tours of Afghanistan. He has also devoted much of his public life to supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel, most notably through the Invictus Games.
That record prompted several royal watchers to voice their frustration online.
One viewer pointed out that television presenter and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers was taking part in the parade.
“Invictus JJ Chalmers is taking part in the Remembrance Parade. Prince Harry should be there. He’s earned it,” the user wrote.
Another royal fan agreed, responding: “It’s a disgrace, it truly is.”
Prince Harry and Prince William on Remembrance Sunday in 2015 (Image: Getty)
Others also highlighted the appearance of Invictus veteran Steve Arnold, who lost both his legs in Afghanistan in 2011 and later competed in the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014.
One viewer said Arnold was interviewed in front of the Cenotaph following the wreath-laying ceremony and mentioned Invictus, adding that Harry’s absence was difficult to understand given his close ties to the veteran community.
Once a Familiar Face at the Cenotaph
During his years as a working member of the Royal Family, Harry was a regular figure at the Remembrance Sunday service. He attended the Cenotaph ceremony wearing his military uniform and medals, joining other senior royals in honouring the nation’s fallen.
His circumstances changed after he stepped back from royal duties and his relationship with the Royal Family deteriorated. Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles and no longer takes part in the official state ceremony alongside King Charles and Prince William.
Still, his absence this year clearly struck a chord with some supporters.
For those who spoke out, Harry’s decade of military service, his two tours in Afghanistan and his continued commitment to veterans through the Invictus Games remain powerful reasons why they believe he has a special connection to Remembrance Sunday.
Although the Duke of Sussex was not among the royals gathered at the Cenotaph, the reaction from fans showed that his absence remained one of the day’s most talked-about royal moments.