Prince Harry has more medals than William- Some viewers noticed a contrast between the brothers- which is the number of medals on both brothers’ uniforms.
The two brothers got back together on September 14 to participate in the procession of Her Majesty’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. The queen’s grandsons, William, The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips, as well as her children, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, were all in attendance.
The siblings walked in sombre solidarity during the procession, both sporting their remarkable collections of medals. Despite being the older brother and the heir to the throne, viewers noticed that Prince Harry wore more medals than Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex prominently displayed his Afghanistan Duty Medal on his chest and actively served as a captain in the British Army, earning further medals as a result of his remarkable military service.
The royal, Prince Harry who turned 38 on Thursday, 15th of September also carried the medals honouring the Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees as well as the KCVO Star, which is a symbol of the Royal Victorian Order and recognises exemplary personal service to the Commonwealth monarch.
In contrast, William proudly displayed his Garter Star, the third-highest order of knighthood in the British honours system, after the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. He also wore his Jubilee medals. Prince of Wales also served in British Army for seven and a half years.
In 2008, William’s grandmother invested him as a future king into the Garter Order; ironically, St George’s Chapel serves as the Order’s mother church.
William’s Platinum, Golden, and Diamond Jubilee Medals, all were gifts from the Queen, together with the star.
While their wives, the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, rode in a car, the Princes were accompanied by family members in the solemn procession.
Why couldn’t Prince Harry wear his military uniform?
Prince Harry left his royal duties in 2020 and moved to California with his wife Meghan, his royal duties were taken away from him. To follow the protocols, he can’t wear military uniform and continue his duties which comes with public service. Although he had served in Afghanistan as a pilot and air controller on two tours, and in British army for 10 years but due to strict royal protocols he can’t wear his military uniform on events.
But, in respect of Her Majesty, Prince Harry was given special permission by King Charles to wear his military uniform. He also displayed his medals to hold Queen’s vigil in Westminster Hall on the 17th of September, 2022. He was headed by his brother Prince William and followed by his six cousins. Princess Beatrice, Eugenie, Lady Louise, Zara Tindal, Peter Philips and James Mountbatten were wearing black mourning clothes.
The military uniform is dress code for working royals only but since Queen’s death, Harry had been seen in civilian clothes. It was first time Prince Harry was seen in uniform to pay tribute to her grandmother after stepping down his royal duties on special request of King Charles. All the grandchildren of Queen attended the Queen’s vigil which lasted for 15 minutes. It was ahead of Queen’s funeral which is on Monday, 19th September, 2022.
Prince Andrew was also seen in military uniform on Friday 16th September for Queen’s vigil although his military title had been taken away from him after sexual abuse allegations. It is expected that Harry will be seen in morning suit on Queen’s funeral.
