What medals has Prince Harry been awarded and why
This verified explainer outlines the medals and awards held by Prince Harry, focusing on eligibility criteria, proper wear rules, and the meaning behind each decoration. It clarifies which honours are military service medals, campaign recognitions, and commemorative awards. Sources include official guidance from the British armed forces, royal communications, and published orders of precedence updated for 2024. The aim is to explain what can be confirmed, what is documented in policy, and where information remains limited or evolving.
British and Commonwealth campaign and service medals
British and Commonwealth medals awarded for specified campaigns and general service follow consistent rules on eligibility and wear. Prince Harry’s service in the British Army included operational tours in Afghanistan, which typically qualify for campaign medals and general service recognitions. Common campaign medals include the General Service Medal (with clasps), Operational Service Medal (with clasps), and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The table below summarises key attributes where details are verifiable from official guidance and public records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| General Service Medal (with Afghanistan clasp) | Eligibility for the GSM with Afghanistan clasp for operations in Afghanistan | Official policy and service records |
| Operational Service Medal (with Southwest Asia clasp) | Issued for operations in Southwest Asia, including Afghanistan tours | Ministry of Defence guidance |
| Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal | Awarded to those in the UK Armed Forces on approved operations during the relevant period | Order of Wear and official lists |
| Accumulated Campaign Stars and Clasps | Details recorded on service medals and campaign totals within MOD publications | MOD service documentation |
| Order of Wear for British medals | Published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; updated periodically | Official Order of Wear documents (latest version used in 2024) |
Wear and protocol rules for campaign medals
British and Commonwealth campaign medals are worn on specific occasions in accordance with the Order of Wear. Clasps are indicated by rosettes or additional devices as prescribed. For members of the Royal Family, wear is typically coordinated by the Lord Chamberlain’s office in line with Service Dress regulations. Personal photographs and public appearances may show only the visible portion of the order of wear, while full entitlement is recorded in service documentation.
Honorary and commemorative awards
Prince Harry holds several honorary and commemorative awards that recognise service, charitable work, and symbolic affiliations. These are not campaign medals but are included in formal lists of honours. Examples include Freedom of County Borough titles, honorary doctorates, and commemorative medals issued for jubilees or special civic occasions. These awards are recorded in national honours databases and announcements where applicable.
Freedom and civic recognitions
Freedom of a borough or city is a civic honour conferred on individuals for distinguished service. It is ceremonial rather than a military decoration. Such recognitions may be granted at local government level and typically do not confer reciprocal rights or entitlements beyond the jurisdiction that awards them.
Academic and honorary doctorates
Honorary doctorates are awarded by universities to recognise notable contributions in fields such as service, humanitarian work, or public leadership. These are academic distinctions and are not military honours. They are listed separately from campaign and service medals in formal biographies and ceremonial contexts.
Royal service and commemorative medals
Royal service medals and long service recognitions follow separate criteria from campaign awards. These may include long service bars or commemorative medals issued for specific jubilees and milestones. Eligibility, design, and wear guidance are set by the Royal Household and Ministry of Defence in line with established protocols.
Long service and good conduct medals
Long service medals for the Armed Forces recognise years of completed service and are awarded under specific criteria. For Royal Family members, these are typically managed through established Household arrangements and are not always displayed in public photographs. The precise number and dates are not routinely published in detail.
Jubilee and commemorative medals
Jubilee medals mark significant milestones for the Sovereign and are awarded to members of the Armed Forces who served during the relevant period. Recipients are recorded in official lists, and eligibility is tied to service dates and roles rather than rank alone. These medals are distinct from campaign awards and are worn in accordance with published guidance.
How to verify eligibility and wear rules
To verify eligibility for British and Commonwealth medals, individuals can consult the official Order of Wear, issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Service records held by the Ministry of Defence provide authoritative details on campaigns, service dates, and corresponding awards. Where guidance is ambiguous, the Lord Chamberlain’s office and the Ministry of Defence jointly clarify protocols for Royal Family members.
- Refer to the published Order of Wear for the correct sequence and attachment of medals.
- Check MOD service records for specific campaign clasp eligibility and dates.
- Contact the Lord Chamberlain’s office for Royal Family–specific protocols on wear and presentation.
- Review official announcements for honorary awards and civic recognitions.
Summary of key points on Prince Harry’s medals
Prince Harry’s medals reflect a mix of British and Commonwealth campaign awards, long service and commemorative honours, and civic and honorary recognitions. Campaign medals are governed by the Order of Wear and linked to specific operational tours, while honorary and commemorative awards follow separate protocols. The most reliable sources for verification are official guidance from the Ministry of Defence, published orders of precedence, and communications from the Royal Household where protocol is involved.