Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal during the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the British throne in 2022. The commemorative medal became a subject of public discussion because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, and Harry had also lost his honorary military appointments. Despite speculation over whether he would qualify, he was ultimately awarded the medal as a personal commemorative honor connected to the Platinum Jubilee. The official Platinum Jubilee date was 06/02/2022, exactly 70 years after Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne following the death of King George VI in 1952. The medal was part of the United Kingdom’s national Jubilee celebrations and was distributed to selected members of the Armed Forces, emergency services, prison services, and members of the royal family. Unlike operational military medals awarded for active service, the Platinum Jubilee Medal functioned primarily as a commemorative distinction. Prince Harry first publicly wore the medal during the National Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 03/06/2022. The event formed part of the official Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations attended by senior royals, public officials, and invited guests. During the service, Harry wore the Platinum Jubilee Medal alongside several previously awarded honors, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was produced in nickel silver and featured an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. Around the portrait appeared the Latin inscription “Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fid Def,” meaning “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.” The ribbon design incorporated silver, white, and purple elements associated with the Jubilee celebrations. Prince Harry’s appearance wearing the medal drew international media attention because it clarified that non-working members of the royal family could still receive commemorative Jubilee honors. Reports at the time noted that the medal was regarded as a family and state commemorative award rather than a recognition tied strictly to current royal service or military command responsibilities. Why This Moment Matters Prince Harry wearing the Platinum Jubilee Medal publicly in June 2022 became one of the visible signs that, despite ongoing tensions surrounding his departure from royal duties, he remained part of Queen Elizabeth II’s family commemorations during her final Jubilee celebrations before her death later that year.