Prince Harry slammed for wearing four medals while honoring US servicewoman: ‘Pathetic’
Prince Harry has been hit with backlash for wearing four medals while presenting a prestigious “Soldier of the Year” award from his Montecito mansion.
The Duke of Sussex, who served in the UK armed forces for 10 years,appeared via Zoom on Thursday to present the awardto US combat medic, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.
Prince Harry recently faced criticism for wearing four medals while presenting a prestigious “Soldier of the Year” award to US combat medic Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks from his Montecito mansion. This gesture sparked a significant backlash on social media platforms, with some critics labeling it as an “embarrassing” and “ridiculous” decision. The controversy primarily stems from the nature of the medals, which are often described as “participation” medals rather than those awarded for specific acts of valor or achievement.
The Duke of Sussex, who served in the UK armed forces for 10 years, including two tours of Afghanistan, appeared via Zoom to present the award. However, the focus of the event seemed to shift from the servicewoman being honored to Harry’s attire, with critics arguing that the medals were an attempt to “create an illusion for the American market.” Harry’s choice to wear the Afghanistan Service Medal and three Jubilee medals (Golden, Diamond, and Platinum) was met with mixed reactions.
Supporters of Prince Harry have come to his defense, pointing out that one of the medals was awarded for his service in Afghanistan. They also noted that the recipient of the award, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, participated in the Invictus Games in 2016, an event founded by Prince Harry himself. The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
Despite the controversy, it’s worth noting that Prince Harry’s intention to honor a US servicewoman was overshadowed by the debate surrounding his choice of attire. This incident highlights the complex relationship between public figures, the military, and the display of honors in ceremonial settings.
However, haters were distracted by Harry’s medals, which they claimed were any attempt to “create an illusion for the American market” and took attention away from the servicewoman being honored.
“He is entitled to wear his medals,” one defender declared.
“Medals he earned,” a second stated.
Meanwhile, some eagle-eyed pundits pointed out that Harry was not wearing a Coronation medal recently given to him by his father, King Charles.
Royal commentator Richard FitzWilliams toldThe Sunthat it was a “snub” on the prince’s part.
“The Sussexes do nothing by chance and this clearly emphasizes or is intended to emphasize his distance from the royal family,” he declared.
