Ex-head of royal protection weighs in on Prince Harry row

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The Duke of York, 61, and his nephew the Duke of Sussex, 37, may not be given commemorative medals handed out to members of the armed forces, the Telegraph has claimed. The medal, which has been created to mark the Queen’s record-breaking 70 years on the throne, will be awarded on February 6.

There is a long history of handing out medals to serving members of the armed forces at jubilee services.

The first one was awarded to mark Queen Victoria’s 50th year on the throne in 1887.

Similar medals were given out to celebrate Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The Royal Family website states members of the police, fire, emergency and prison services join the armed forces in being eligible for the medal.

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This includes Royal Family members who hold honorary positions in the military.

Veterans who obtained either the George Cross or Victoria Cross will also receive a medal.

However, Prince Andrew and Prince Harry are ineligible for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal.

Prince Andrew had been stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages as a civil case involving the Duke looms.

Virginia Giuffre, 38, has accused Andrew of sexual assault.

However, the Duke vehemently denies such claims.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, the Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen.

“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”

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In contrast, Prince Harry gave up his three honorary titles after he confirmed he and his wife Meghan, 40, would not return to the Royal Family.

A statement from Buckingham Palace in February 2021 read: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.

“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.”

The titles included: Captain-General of the Royal Marines; Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington; and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.

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