Does Harry have more military honors than William? Disparity in brothers' medals during Prince Philip's funeral
Although the Queen banned military uniforms prior to Prince Philip's funeral, many of them, including Prince William and Prince Harry, who joined the procession, were seen proudly displaying their military medals on their suits.
The brothers walked in solemn solidarity in the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral procession, dressed identically in black suits and ties on April 17. They were separated by their older cousin, Peter Phillips. The trio walked behind Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, and ahead of Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Earl of Snowdon. Prince Charles, Princess Anne, a personal protection officer, a private secretary, two pages and two valets were among the other members of the processional party.
RELATED ARTICLES
Prince Philip funeral: When will Prince Harry return to California to see pregnant Meghan Markle?
The Duke of Edinburgh died last week on April 9 at the age of 99. As per a report in the Daily Mail, as a last-minute decision, approved by the Queen, military uniforms at the funeral were banned in order to present a united family front.
The monarch decided on morning coats and black ties for the men, simple black outfits for the women as the dress code for the funeral. This break from convention meant Harry, who has been stripped of his military titles, wouldn't look like the odd one out at the funeral.
Prince William's medals
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, displayed his Garter Star, which is the most senior order of knighthood in the British honors system. It is outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
William, being the future king after his father Prince Charles, was made Knight of the Garter in 2008 by his grandmother at St George's Chapel. The chapel, besides serving as the venue for the funeral on April 17, is also the mother church of the Garter Order.
Alongside the star, William wore his Golden Jubilee Medal, and his Diamond Jubilee Medal, also presented to him by the Queen.
Prince Harry's medals
Harry, who actively served as a Captain in the British Army, was seen displaying more medals than his brother due to his military service. The Duke of Sussex, who served in Afghanistan, wore his KCVO Neck Order and Star, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal on his black suit. The KCVO Star represents the Royal Victorian Order, which recognizes distinguished personal service to the monarch of the Commonwealth.
Prince Harry was knighted by his grandmother in 2015 for his service to the monarchy. He was privately made a KCVO at Buckingham Palace. In 2008, Harry was also awarded the Afghanistan campaign medal 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. The 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. Similarly, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of the monarch's reign, is another commemorative medal given to Prince Harry.