The Coronation Medal, featuring effigies of the King and Queen, was notably absent as the Duke delivered his speech. Photo / RUBA
The Coronation Medal, featuring effigies of the King and Queen, was notably absent as the Duke delivered his speech. Photo / RUBA
The Duke of Sussex appears to have snubbed his father by opting not to wear his Coronation medal alongside others as he presented a military award.
Prince Harry donned four medals to record a video of himself honouring a soldier from the back door of his California home but the one featuring effigies of the King and Queen was notably absent.
His spokesperson declined to comment on why he did not wear the Coronation medal that is believed to have been awarded to him on his father’s accession last year.
The medal, made of nickel silver, was given to 400 recipients involved in the Coronation ceremonies and processions as well as serving members of the Armed Forces and emergency service workers.
Similarly, Harry did not wear the medal when he delivered a video monologue for Stand Up For Heroes in New York last November.
In February, Charles, 75, contacted both of his sons to tell them of his cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry, who was at home in Montecito, made immediate plans to fly over to see him, prompting hopes of a rapprochement after a turbulent few years in which the pair have barely spoken.
Prince Harry's spokesperson declined to comment on why he did not wear the Coronation medal awarded to him at his father's Coronation. Photo / AP
The Duke had not seen his father since the Coronation when they barely had time to speak.
Harry arrived in London the day before the May 6 ceremony and headed straight to the airport from Westminster Abbey, via a quick vehicle change, having spent just 28 hours in the country.
The Duke wore a dark suit and tie to record a video message for his friend, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, from Arizona, who was named a Soldier of the Year at an award ceremony hosted by the Military Times.
Pinned to his chest were his Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, his Golden Jubilee Medal, Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Platinum Jubilee Medal.
The Duke first met SFC Marks at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando and said he was “honoured” to call her his friend.
The five-time Paralympic medalist, 33, suffered bilateral hip injuries whilst serving in Iraq in 2010. In 2017, her left leg was amputated below the knee.
“Good evening everyone, especially those who are serving, have served and continue to serve,” Harry said.
“I have the honour of presenting this year’s Soldier of the Year award.”
The Duke said that when he first met SFC Marks, he presented her with four Invictus gold medals that she had won in swimming.
The Prince wore the same medals to attend the King’s Coronation - an Afghanistan Service Medal and Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals. Photo / Getty Images
“To me, she epitomises the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community,” he said. “And this is not just because of her swimming abilities.
“Ellie has courageously overcome every obstacle to cross her path. She has turned her pain into purpose and led through compassion and willpower, showing others that the impossible is indeed possible.”
The Duke said the soldier’s “unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering hope and setting a powerful example for others to follow.”
In June 2016, when still a working royal, Prince Harry invited members of the Papworth Hospital medical team who had treated SFC Marks in 2014 to Kensington Palace.
He presented them with the 100m freestyle gold medal she had won in Orlando, which she dedicated to the team who saved her life after she fell ill during a visit to the UK for the inaugural Invictus Games.
As soon as the Prince presented her with the medal, she asked him to ensure that it was donated to Papworth Hospital on her behalf, as a mark of her gratitude for the life-saving medical care she had received.
