WREATH RIFT
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry ‘personally recognise’ Remembrance Sunday with LA photoshoot after Palace ‘wreath snub’
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry "personally recognised" Remembrance Sunday in LA today after Harry was reportedly refused permission for a wreath to be laid on his behalf at the Cenotaph.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were pictured laying flowers at the Los Angeles National Cemetery after reported Buckingham Palace refused Harry's request because he no longer represents the monarchy.
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The Queen was reportedly not told about her grandson's request.
Harry, who now lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle, was believed to be very upset at the decision to reject his wish, The Times reported, as he has close links with the military.
Instead his wreath lay forgotten at the Royal British Legion's Kent HQ.
He was later pictured with his wife in LA, laying flowers picked from their garden at the graves of two Commonwealth soldiers - one from the Royal Australian Airforce and one from the Royals Canadian Artillery, ITV's Chris Ship reports.
The royal journalist wrote on Twitter: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to 'personally recognise' the day in their own way."
Harry also lay a wreath, on which he is said to have written: “To all of those who have served and are serving. Thank you.”
The Duke served for more than 10 years and has been involved in promoting causes for veterans including the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down from royal duties in March, but was reportedly hoping to soon resume some of his military activities.
The decision not to allow a wreath to be laid on his behalf means those hopes have suffered a serious setback.
Harry first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph 11 years ago.
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In a podcast that aired today, Harry said: "I wear the poppy to recognise all those who have served; the soldiers I knew, as well as those I didn't.
"The soldiers who were by my side in Afghanistan, those who had their lives changed forever, and those that didn't come home.
"I wear it to celebrate the bravery and determination of all our veterans, and their loved ones, especially those in our Invictus family.
"These are the people and moments I remember when I salute, when I stand at attention and when I lay a wreath at the Cenotaph."
During his time with the military, Harry rose to the rank of Captain and undertook two tours of Afghanistan during his service.
On the podcast, the Duke also spoke about his own service which included two tours of Afghanistan.
He said: "When I get asked about this period of my life I draw from memories, I draw from what I remember and who I remember.
"Like the first time we were shot at and who I was with, the casualties we saw, and those we saved. And the first medivac we escorted out of contact in a race against time.
"Once served always serving, no matter what.
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Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the claims regarding Harry's wish to have a wreath laid.
The Sun Online has contacted Prince Harry's representatives for comment.
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Queen leads Remembrance Sunday ceremony as wreaths laid and war heroes stand in solemn tribute across nation
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