Why Prince William and other royals wear military uniforms

Prince William’s military uniforms are not just a testament to his service but also signify his evolving roles within the royal family. Over his seven-and-a-half-year military career, Prince William served in several capacities, beginning as an officer in the Blues and Royals Regiment before training as a pilot at the Royal Air Force College. He later became a full-time pilot with the Search and Rescue Force and eventually joined the East Anglian Air Ambulance, donating his salary to charity​.

At the recent Trooping the Colour rehearsal, William’s uniform displayed significant updates to reflect his new status as the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards. Previously, he wore the uniform of the Irish Guards, which featured a shamrock motif on the collar and a St. Patrick’s blue plume on the bearskin cap. His updated attire now includes a leek motif, the symbol of the Welsh Guards, and a white and green plume on his cap​ ​. This change aligns with his title as the Prince of Wales, a role he assumed after King Charles’ ascension to the throne.

During the rehearsal, Prince William donned his red tunic, bearskin cap, garter sash, and sword, along with the royal cyphers of both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles on his shoulder. These elements signify his position as an aide-de-camp to the monarchs, a prestigious honorary role.

William’s military decorations include medals from the Queen’s Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees, and he often wears his Blues and Royals No. 1 uniform adorned with these medals, the garter sash, the garter star, and his Royal Air Force pilot wings​.

The Trooping the Colour ceremony, a grand annual event celebrating the monarch’s official birthday, saw Prince William leading the parade on horseback. Despite the high temperatures causing some soldiers to faint during the rehearsal, William expressed his gratitude and pride for their efforts in a tweet, acknowledging the challenging conditions​.