The recent actions of Prince Harry have sparked discussions about his priorities and allegiances. According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the Duke of Sussex’s decision to wear his military medals while presenting an award to a soldier, despite being stripped of his military titles after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, suggests that he feels a stronger connection to his military family than his biological family.
In the video clip, Prince Harry is seen wearing a suit, red tie, and four British Army medals, despite being banned from wearing his ceremonial military uniform as a non-working royal. Fitzwilliams believes this move highlights Harry’s enduring bond with his fellow soldiers, whom he has previously referred to as an “extended family.”
While the prince’s actions have raised eyebrows, they shed light on the complex dynamics within the royal family and the personal significance Harry attaches to his military service and camaraderie.
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One notable aspect of Prince Harry’s recent appearance at the Invictus Games was his decision to wear his military medals. This gesture holds significance as the Invictus Games are an event dedicated to supporting wounded service personnel, a cause close to Harry’s heart.
According to royal experts, Harry’s military service played a pivotal role in his life, and wearing his medals is a way for him to pay tribute to that experience. However, his choice to wear the medals has also sparked controversy, as there are rules governing the use of such honors by non-working members of the Royal Family.
While some argue that Harry is proud of his military past and the medals represent that, others contend that his actions in recent years have damaged the Royal Family’s reputation. Nonetheless, one of the medals he wore, the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, was earned during his deployment as a helicopter pilot in Helmand in 2008.
The debate surrounding Harry’s decision to wear his medals highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding his relationship with the Royal Family and his role as a non-working royal.
In a recent video, Prince Harry showcased his military medals, including the Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, and Platinum Jubilee medals. The video captured the Duke of Sussex presenting Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks with the Soldier of the Year award at his £12 million California home. Filmed from his back door, Harry warmly referred to Marks as a “friend” and a “beacon of inspiration” for her service as a US combat medic.
The medals displayed by Prince Harry hold significant meaning:
- 2002 – Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to all active service members who had served for at least five years on February 6, 2002, marking the Queen’s 50th year on the throne.
- 2008 – Afghanistan Operational Service Medal, recognizing Harry’s frontline service in Helmand Province.
- 2012 – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, commemorating the Queen’s 60th year as monarch, given to members of the Armed Forces, emergency services, prison services, and the Royal Household.
- 2022 – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, marking the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.
Additionally, Harry wore the KCVO Star, representing the Royal Victorian Order, and the Afghanistan Service Medal on his chest during the Queen’s procession.
Harry recorded a video tribute for an awards ceremony hosted by the Military Times news site, which Marks attended in person. In his speech, Harry addressed the veterans watching, expressing gratitude on behalf of the community and the international community for the sacrifices made by the veterans and their families, their service to their country, and for upholding the important values they learned. He stated, “Tonight, it’s for you. Thank you for all that you’ve done.” The last time Harry was seen wearing his medals was in a comedy video he recorded for Stand Up for Heroes in November of the previous year.