The Queen’s grandsons display their medals

On Sep 17, 2022

The Queen‘s four male grandchildren showed off their collection of service medals as they stood guard over Her Majesty’s coffin in Westminster Hall.

Prince William was joined by his brother Prince Harry and their six cousins for the solemn 15-minute vigil on Saturday night.

The brothers, who both wore the uniform of the Blues and Royals, displayed medals commemorating personal military achievements, commitment to public service, and key milestones in the Queen’s extraordinary 70-year reign. Their cousins Peter Phillips, 44, and James, Viscount Severn, 14, had their medals pinned to their suits.

Prince Harry wore (from left) The Afghanistan campaign medal, the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal, the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal, the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Medal. Prince Harry also wears the Neck Order and Star representing his role as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour bestowed by the Queen in recognition of services to the Sovereign

Prince William wore (from left) the 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2022 Platinum Jubilee medal. Below is the Garter star, signifying he is a member of the Order of the Garter

The Queen’s eldest grandson, Peter Phillips (left), has not served in the military but wears medals commemorating milestones. Pictured from left: the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal, the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal and the 2022 Platinum Jubilee medal. Similarly, James, Viscount Severn (right), wears the Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Platinum Jubilee Medal

Milestones, military service and royal honours: What do the medals mean?

Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals: Medals have been awarded to mark royal jubilees since the Victorian period when the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign was commemorated in 1887 with a medal.

In recent decades, medals have been issued to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Silver Jubilee in 1977. Most recently, she awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. Recipients included Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie’s husband, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s husband.

Female Royal Family members also received the medal but have fewer occasions on which to display their honours.

The Order of the Garter: Prince William displays the star badge signifying he is a member of the Order of the Garter.

Founded in 1348 by Edward III, the Garter is the senior British order of chivalry awarded by the sovereign for outstanding public service and achievement.

Originally it served the double purpose of bringing together the sovereign and 25 senior knights who were the country’s military leaders as well as establishing a new fellowship in religious worship.

Prince William became a Knight of the Garter in 2008, aged 25.

Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order: Prince Harry was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in 2015. Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by The Queen, for services to the Sovereign.

Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan: Prince Harry wears the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan. The prince spent 10 years in the Army, rising to the rank of captain, and served two tours of Afghanistan.

He received the medal in 2008 in recognition of his military service

All four men wore the 2022 Platinum Jubilee medal, which was given to members of the Royal Family to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.

As well as senior royals, recipients included Mike Tindall, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, who are married to Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, respectively.

Female members of the Royal Family also received the medal, although they have fewer occasions on which to wear them.

Medals have been awarded to mark royal jubilees since the Victorian period when the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign was commemorated in 1887 with a medal.

In recent decades, medals have been issued to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Owing to his age, James, Viscount Severn, has the fewest number of medals. He wore the the Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals. Peter Phillips also wore them, as well as the Golden Jubilee Medal.

Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Lady Louise Windsor followed in the footsteps of Princess Anne by taking part in a ceremony that has been traditionally reserved for male members of the Royal Family