Prince Harry has drawn fresh attention after appearing alongside members of the Irish Guards at a private Invictus event, despite his sister-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, currently holding the regiment’s prestigious role as Colonel.

The moment came during the inaugural Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards, where Harry appeared in formal attire decorated with his royal honors and military medals.

Videos from the event showed Harry, 42, arriving at the private gala before posing with members of the Irish Guards. His appearance quickly sparked discussion because King Charles III has recently emphasized that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are now private citizens and no longer represent the Crown in an official capacity.

Harry arrives in full royal regalia

Harry arrived at the event in a black SUV before stepping out in a tuxedo covered with royal honors and military medals.

Among the decorations he wore was the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order neck order, which was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.

He also wore his 2008 Afghan Operational Service Medal, along with participation medals from the late Queen’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees.

The appearance marked Harry’s first formal event in the U.K. since he and Meghan returned from Montecito, California, at the end of August.

Harry and Meghan have spent the past six years living in California after stepping back from their roles as working members of the royal family in 2020.

Harry poses with the Irish Guards

The royal attention grew when Harry was seen mingling with members of the Irish Guards before the gala.

In one moment, he posed alongside guards wearing their distinctive scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats. Harry also placed a hand on Seamus, the regiment’s Irish Wolfhound mascot, during the photo opportunity.

The Irish Guards have a particularly close connection to Kate Middleton, who currently serves as the regiment’s Colonel.

The Princess of Wales traditionally presents shamrocks to members of the Irish Guards every year on St. Patrick’s Day, with Seamus also receiving one as part of the long-running ceremony.

Kate, 44, inherited the position of Colonel of the Irish Guards from Prince William in December 2022.

William, 44, had held the role for 11 years after Queen Elizabeth II appointed him in 2011. He later became Colonel of the Welsh Guards after taking on the title of Prince of Wales following King Charles’ accession to the throne.

Harry’s appearance with the regiment has therefore attracted renewed attention, particularly because of the changing roles within the royal family and his current status outside the working monarchy.

The Invictus Spirit Gala was held as part of Harry’s continuing work with the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans.

His appearance also comes during a significant period for Harry and Meghan, following their return to the U.K. after years of living in the United States.