Prince Harry presented with Badge in Gold, RSA's highest honour

On 28/10/2018, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was awarded the Badge in Gold, the highest honour of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA), during a ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, New Zealand. The recognition was presented by RSA national president B.J. Clark in acknowledgment of Prince Harry’s work supporting injured and wounded veterans, particularly through his role in founding the Invictus Games. The Badge in Gold is one of the RSA’s most distinguished awards and is rarely granted to individuals who are not members of the association. Prince Harry’s advocacy for the global veteran community, including his efforts to promote rehabilitation and recovery through sport, was cited as the basis for the honour. His work with the Invictus Games, launched in 2014, has involved participation from multiple nations, including New Zealand. During the ceremony, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, took part in a widely photographed moment by pinning the gold badge onto Prince Harry’s jacket as the presentation concluded. The event drew public attention both for the recognition itself and for the symbolic gesture during the official proceedings. The award took place near the conclusion of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 16-day royal tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand, which ran throughout October 2018. The tour followed the announcement on 15/10/2018 that the couple were expecting their first child. Their visit to New Zealand included multiple engagements focused on community outreach, remembrance, and youth initiatives.