During the virtual ceremony, Prince Harry had the honor of presenting the Soldier of the Year award to US Combat Medic Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marx.
Marx, an accomplished athlete with four Invictus Games gold medals and five Paralympic medals, displayed extraordinary bravery despite sustaining bilateral hip injuries during her deployment in Iraq in 2010. Enlisting in the military at the tender age of 17, her resilience and determination were commendable.
The ceremony took place at his Montoo residence, where Harry, dressed in a black blazer, white shirt, and red tie, expressed his admiration for Marx's courage, resilience, and dedication, which he deemed emblematic of the spirit of service to the community.
Despite his withdrawal from Royal duties in 2020, Harry donned his military decorations for the occasion. These included the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, awarded for his service in Helmont Province in 2008, the late Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, received in 2002 for five years of active duty, and the Elizabeth Styman Jubilee Medal, granted to members of various services in 2012.
Notably, Harry also wore the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal, despite relinquishing his honorary military titles in 2020 upon departing from the royal family. However, conspicuously absent from Harry's lapels was the Coronation Medal, given to him and others involved in King Charles's formal Ascension to the throne last May. This absence, along with the choice of medals worn by Harry, reflects his stance following his departure from royal duties.
Royal experts speculate that the absence of the Coronation Medal could be interpreted as a snub to his father, Prince Charles. The medals he chose to wear align with those selected for the coronation ceremony, even though he wasn't permitted to attend the festivities in military attire. While this privilege is reserved for working members of the royal family, Harry was believed to be one of the 400,000 recipients of the Coronation Medal, recognizing those actively involved in the coronation ceremonies and related events. These medals were also distributed to serving members of the Armed Forces, frontline emergency service personnel, and public-employed prison service personnel as a token of appreciation for their public service.
The absence of the Coronation Medal from Harry's ensemble drew criticism from royal fans on social media platforms. Some remarked on the ostentatious display of medals, questioning its significance, while others expressed disappointment in Harry's perceived disregard for tradition. One user humorously commented, "Harry looks like he's wearing participation medals," highlighting the perceived lack of gravitas in his attire. Another questioned the timing of the event, labeling it as embarrassing. Despite the mixed reactions, the ceremony garnered attention, sparking discussions about Harry's motivations and the significance of his choices.
In the midst of public scrutiny, rumors circulated regarding Harry's financial gains from the ceremony. Speculation emerged that Harry received $250,000 for his role in presenting the Military Times award. Furthermore, allegations surfaced linking the financier of Military Times, billionaire El Matal, to controversial mining operations in the Congo, where the Baka people are facing violence. If true, Harry's silence on these matters raises questions about his integrity and priorities. The substantial sum attributed to his involvement in the ceremony warrants scrutiny, especially in light of the humanitarian issues associated with El Matal's ventures.
