He actually just wanted to honor an American soldier with his video message. But with his selection of medals, King Charles’s youngest offspring drew all the attention to himself – and earned ridicule and malice.
The Duke of Sussex appeared in a short clip in the backyard of his home villa in Montecito, California. He addressed his words to the American soldier Elizabeth Marks, whom he calls a “friend” and whom he honored with the “Soldier of the Year” award. The 33-year-old joined the US Army in 2008 at the age of 17 and was during She was seriously injured in her hip during a deployment to Iraq, but she still works as a combat medic and Paralympic swimmer. In 2016, she and Harry met at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, where he presented her with four gold medals that she won in swimming had.
In the video, the 39-year-old is wearing a dark suit and tie. Four medals are pinned to his lapel: his operational medal, awarded for his time in the armed forces in Helmand Province, and three Jubilee medals, awarded to mark the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. A fact that many people apparently dislike.
There is a hail of malicious comments on social networks. “Ah, look at Harold wearing his participation medals” or “Look at how Prince Harry presents himself – like he’s a decorated war hero with a bunch of medals. ONE medal is for Afghanistan and the rest are from Queens anniversaries. He is a cheater.” Another says: “Why would a British prince present a US military award to US soldiers? Are there no worthy US military men worthy of doing this? Others even go so far as to say he is a ‘traitor’ and didn’t deserve any medals. Another wrote that he looked “stupid” with these “irrelevant medals.”
However, some point out that the person being honored took part in the Invictus Games in 2016 and this sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women was founded by Prince Harry ten years ago. “He earned his Afghanistan medal and wears it proudly as he honors a comrade and friend of his. I’m sure she appreciated it.” Some also remember that Harry was deployed in the Afghanistan war. “He deserves every single medal and also has the right to show it how he wants,” commented one. Another comment is: A veteran is a veteran no matter where he is and will always be respected by the armed forces worldwide.”
However, many people are also struck by the fact that Harry is not wearing his father’s coronation medal in the video. This was awarded to him and others who attended King Charles’ official accession to the throne last May. According to the Daily Mail, experts believe that the lack of the award could be a snub to his father. Since the Sussexes leave nothing to chance, this would clearly underline his distance from the royal family.
The medals Harry is wearing in the video are apparently the same ones he wore on coronation day. Harry was not allowed to attend last May’s celebrations in military fatigues after stepping away from royal duties. This privilege is only reserved for working family members.
Watch the video above: For some time, Prince Harry’s wife had her fans speculating about what was behind the launch of her new brand. Now it comes to light which products are hidden behind it.
Sources: Daily Mail, X (Twitter)
