The meaning behind Prince Harry’s medals at Prince Philip’s funeral
The Duke of Sussex is wearing four medals
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At the funeral service for Prince Philip today, the duke’s grandson Prince Harry will wear his KCVO Neck Order and Star, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal.
The Duke of Sussex was awarded the medals for his active service - a connection he shared with his grandfather The Duke of Edinburgh who also served as part of the British Armed Forces in the Royal Navy.
During Prince Harry’s 10 years of active service in the British Army, he completed two tours of duty on the frontlines in Afghanistan. Upon his return, he created the Invictus Games and has supported a number of related charities and causes.
What do the medals Prince Harry is wearing today mean?
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KCVO Neck Order and Star
The KCVO is awarded as part of the Royal Victorian Order - a monarchical order of knighthood. It is awarded for personal service to the monarchy.
Prince Harry was knighted by his grandmother the Queen in 2015 for his service to the monarchy. He was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) privately at Buckingham Palace.
In formal dress, he wears the breast star and the badge on a ribbon around his neck.
Afghanistan campaign medal
Prince Harry was awarded the Afghanistan campaign medal in 2008 for his service in the war alongside around 170 comrades from the Household Cavalry Regiment.
He was presented the medal by his aunt Princess Anne at Combermere Barracks in Windsor.
Golden Jubilee medal
Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal was given to the Duke of Sussex in 2002 as a gift from the Queen to mark the 50-year anniversary of her reign.
Diamond Jubilee medal
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is another commemorative medal given to Prince Harry. It was created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s reign.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have provided a wreath made with locally sourced flowers to be laid for Prince Philip. The couple specifically requested that it include:
- Acanthus mollis (Bear’s breeches) - the National flower of Greece - to represent The Duke of Edinburgh’s birthplace.
- Eryngium (Sea Holly), to represent the Royal Marines.
- Campanula to represent gratitude and everlasting love
- Rosemary to signify remembrance
- Lavender for devotion
- Roses in honour of June being The Duke of Edinburgh’s birth month.
It was accompanied by a handwritten card from the Duchess of Sussex.
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