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The Duke of Sussex is expected to mark Remembrance Sunday privately, sources have claimed

Prince Harry may not be present at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday, or at other state occasions such as Trooping the Colour, sources have claimed, despite a decade of military service that included two deployments to Afghanistan.

The Duke of Sussex and his family are now back on British soil but will not function as working royals, meaning invitations to the national remembrance service and similar events are unlikely to be forthcoming.

Palace aides have previously indicated that Harry could seek to join the 10,000 veterans who march along Whitehall past the war memorial, but such a move could present considerable logistical and security challenges.

Harry, who served as an Army Air Corps Apache helicopter pilot and held the rank of captain, appears to have decided against pressing his father or other figures on the matter.

A source close to the Duke told The i Paper: "Would he like to attend the Cenotaph? Would he like to pay his respects in the proper way that people do on Remembrance Sunday and on Armistice Day? Of course he would.

"He served his country and has the deepest gratitude and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Harry is expected to observe Remembrance Sunday in November through a private commemoration rather than any public ceremony.

Before leaving the United States, his final public engagement included visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where he placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a tribute to fallen service personnel.

The fifth in line to the throne has long regarded honouring the war dead as a deeply personal obligation.

The same source made clear that Harry understands the nature of the Cenotaph ceremony under the existing arrangements. "I think that's very much what we would call a constitutional event rather than a family occasion," they said, explaining that royals present at the memorial do so as representatives of the sovereign and the military patronages they hold.

This distinction is one the Duke is said to fully acknowledge, recognising that his status as a private citizen without official duties places him outside the framework of such occasions.

The same principle extends to Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the King's official birthday. Harry, Meghan and their children will not receive invitations to that event either, a position he is also reported to accept.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams described Harry's stance as "significant," interpreting it as a genuine signal of his desire to mend relations with his family. "It clearly shows he wants to reach out. I think this is an emollient message," Mr Fitzwilliams told the outlet.

He noted the particular sensitivity of the issue, pointing out that Harry and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are the only two members of the Royal Family to have seen active combat. "It's something he feels very strongly about," Mr Fitzwilliams added.

The commentator recalled the Duke's distress in 2020 when his request for a wreath to be laid at the Cenotaph in his name was turned down by his family.

For several years, senior Palace officials have stated that neither Harry nor his disgraced uncle would be invited to the memorial service, as both have ceased carrying out official duties on behalf of the monarchy.

The option of Harry joining the veteran march along Whitehall was dismissed by the source, who argued it would never be practical. "Security would be a nightmare," he said.

Mr Fitzwilliams agreed that such an appearance would detract from the solemnity of the occasion. "It would be a partial if not a total distraction," he said.

Veterans wishing to take part in the parade, which concludes at Horse Guards Parade with a salute taken by a member of the Royal Family, must submit applications through regimental associations, other military bodies or the Royal British Legion.

Harry has reportedly missed the deadline to register for this year's march, closing off that route for the November ceremony.