Canadian Forces' Decoration with first clasp

In 2001, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was awarded the Canadian Forces’ Decoration (CD), a military service medal recognizing 12 years of honorable service in the Canadian Armed Forces. The decoration is granted to members of the Canadian military who complete qualifying service, including those in affiliated or honorary roles linked to Commonwealth forces. Prince Andrew later received a first clasp for an additional 10 years of service, followed by a second clasp in 2009, marking extended periods of continued association. The Canadian Forces’ Decoration differs from honorary titles or ceremonial military appointments, as it is awarded based on qualifying service rather than patronage. This distinction became relevant in later years as Prince Andrew’s broader military and royal affiliations were reassessed. In January 2022, he was stripped of his Canadian honorary military roles, including positions such as Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and the Princess Louise Fusiliers. These changes formed part of a wider removal of his military affiliations and royal patronages by Queen Elizabeth II. Further adjustments followed in December 2025, when the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that he reverted from the honorary rank of Vice-Admiral to his substantive retired rank of Commander in the Royal Navy. Despite these changes, reports as of late 2025 indicated that Prince Andrew retained certain service-based awards, including the Canadian Forces’ Decoration and the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan. These decorations are considered recognition of qualifying service and are not typically subject to the same processes as honorary appointments or titles. In February 2026, Prince Andrew, referred to in some reports as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation. The development prompted further public discussion regarding his remaining honors, though no confirmed action had been reported regarding the status of his Canadian Forces’ Decoration as of that time. #PrinceAndrew #CanadianForces #MilitaryHonours #RoyalFamily #UKMonarchy