Royal family denies Prince Harry’s request to have wreath laid on his behalf on Remembrance Day

Prince Harry was saddened when his request for a wreath to be laid on his behalf was denied, the Sunday Times reports.

The organizers of a drastically reduced Remembrance Sunday ceremony prepared a wreath for the Duke, but it was never laid. Prince Harry — who now lives in the U.S. — requested the wreath be laid for him. Palace courtiers decided that no one would lay it on his behalf, as he no longer represented the monarchy.

The ceremony took place at the Cenotaph war memorial on Whitehall in London, where Prince William, Prince Charles, Prince Edward and Princess Anne laid their own wreaths. Another 26 veterans were also in attendance at the ceremony, as well as Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen.

The Queen was not consulted about her grandson’s request.

Remembrance Sunday — the Sunday closest to November 11 — is when the U.K. pays tribute to those who lost their lives in war. The Cenotaph ceremony is meant to remember those killed and wounded in armed conflict.

The Duke of Sussex stepped down from his royal duties in March. Since that time, relationships have soured between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William with the two struggling to reconcile over Harry’s disinterest in returning to the fold of the royal family.

In place of the Cenotaph ceremony, Harry and Meghan Markle privately visited the Los Angeles National Cemetery on Sunday to honour the dead. The Duke and Duchess laid flowers picked from their garden at two grave sites of commonwealth soldiers, one who had served in the Royal Australian Air Force and one from the Royal Canadian Artillery, a spokesperson for the couple said.

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The couple also placed a wreath at an obelisk in the cemetery that is inscribed: “In Memory of the Men Who Offered Their Lives in Defense of Their Country.” Harry — himself a veteran — signed the wreath with a personal inscription, writing, “To all of those who have served, and are serving. Thank you.”

Harry also took the opportunity to go on a special edition of the Declassified podcast and discuss the significance of Remembrance Day, along with other veterans.

“Remembrance Day for me is a moment for respect and for hope. Respect for those who came before us and hope for a safer world,” Harry said. “The act of remembrance is a profound act of honour.”

Prince Harry served in the British army for 10 years, and rose all the way to the rank of Captain. He served two tours in Afghanistans.