We know what Meghan Markle will be wearing when she walks down the aisle of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle next Saturday—we just don't yet know who is the designer of her wedding dress. It's Prince Harry's sartorial options that have experts wondering what he'll choose for the big day.
The invitations for the royal wedding specified the dress code as "Uniform, Morning Coat or Lounge Suit, or Day Dress with Hat." These are not suggestions; they are the rules that are to be followed.
Harry can choose between a morning suit, which he has worn to other weddings at Windsor, or wear a military uniform. Despite most royal experts saying Harry will not be in uniform for his wedding, my source tell me the prince will, in fact, be wearing one.
And here's why: Queen Elizabeth II recently appointed Harry as Captain General of the Royal Marines—the ceremonial head of the Royal Marines, the elite fighting force of the Royal Navy. Harry took over this important role from his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, following Prince Philip's retirement. This is the most senior position the prince has held in the military—and it would be a great way from him to honor is 97-year-old grandfather.
Harry spent 10 years in the armed forces and served two tours in Afghanistan. The men he served with will be in uniform at the wedding.
Here's the kicker: The Queen, who is head of the Armed Forces, has the final say in what he wears.
Prince William was told by his grandmother that he was to wear the red Guards' uniform on his wedding day because of his honorary title as Royal Colonel of the Irish Guards, rather than his RAF uniform.
My prediction: Harry will wear his Royal Marines uniform.
According to my source, the prince will also wear his Army Air Corps wings above his Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and his Afghanistan Campaign medal.
"Prince Harry wants to honor both his grandparents, who have been very supportive of him and made the engagement and wedding a very happy time for him, and Ms. Markle," said my source. "Harry also feels that his service in the military was a turning point in his life that gave him a sense of purpose and focus. He wants to honor that and honor the men who served with him who will be there on his wedding day."
The other big question: Will Harry shave his beard? I'm saying he won't. "Although there is a no beard rule in the military, he has worn the uniform with a beard before—and Meghan likes it," said my source.
So there it is. As he has since announcing the engagement, Harry will honor the traditions that define him as a royal—but he will be doing it his way. And for more info on the coming nuptials, check out the 20 Celebrities Who Are Definitely Attending the Royal Wedding.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and author of Imagining Diana and Diana: The Secrets of Her Style.
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