Prince William's medals and military awards explained as he proudly shows them off
Prince William previously served in the RAF for three years
In recent days Prince William has been spotted adorned with medals. The Prince of Wales is often seen wearing formal wear, but he isn’t always decorated in his military medals.
Now, royal observers are wondering what his medals mean and why he has them.
Prince William wears medals to VE Day concert
During his attendance of the BBC’s VE Day concert on May 8, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in 1945, the prince was seen wearing his honour as Great Master of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath neck order.
The Prince of Wales sported the accolade fastened around his neck with a red ribbon, sat neatly over his tie.
The Order of the Bath is the fourth most senior Order of Chivalry after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle and The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick.
William is currently the Great Master of the Order whilst King Charles is the Sovereign of the Order.
What medals is Prince William wearing?
Prince William was also seen wearing other medals pinned to his lapel. He wore the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, recognising the jubilees of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, from February 6, 1952, to September 8, 2022.
She was the longest-reigning British monarch in history, surpassing Queen Victoria. Therefore, she celebrated three jubilees, whilst her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, only celebrated two (Gold and Diamond).
Prince William has also sported a more recent addition, the Coronation Medal for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Sometimes William is also seen wearing his RAF wings medal.
When did Prince William earn his wings?
He earned his wings in 2008 and was awarded them by his father, the then-Prince of Wales, at a graduation ceremony at RAF Cranwell.
Prince William spent four months on attachment to the RAF and learnt to fly Tucanos and Squirrel helicopters, during an intensive training programme which began on Tutor aircraft at Cranwell in January of 2008.
This time last year, King Charles III passed the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army air corps to Prince William at the Army Aviation Centre in Stockbridge, Hampshire, on May 13.
Prince William also completed his officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006 and was commissioned as a British Army officer. He served in the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) before transitioning to the RAF.
William served for three years as a RAF search and rescue pilot. During his tour he took part in 156 search and rescue operations.
Read more: Kate Middleton’s look of ‘love’ and PDA towards Prince William at VE Day concert
So, what do you think? Did you watch the VE Day celebrations? Did you notice Prince William’s medals? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page.
