Prince Harry ‘picked his military family over real family’ after losing titles & making US his home, royal expert claims
PRINCE Harry has “picked his military family over his real family”, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex this week donned his military medals at his home in Montecito to present an award to a soldier - despite having been stripped of his military titles after quitting royal duties in 2020.
The prince was also banned from wearing his ceremonial military uniform because he is no longer a working royal.
However, in the new clip Harry wore a suit, red tie and four British Army medals.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes this shows how he feels closer to his fellow soliders than to his own family.
Speaking to The Sun, he explained: “This is unquestioned, but he's always regarded the military as an extended family, and he's said that from time to time.
“He's paid tribute to it. Invictus is one of the things he's given back clearly, because it helps wounded service personnel.
“I think that he believes that the military was a pivotal part in his life. So obviously, when appropriate, he wears his medals, and obviously this has been a subject of controversy before.
“I mean, he isn't a senior working royal, and there are rules on this equally. There's no doubt the Sussexes are not fond of royal rules. Very constricting.
“I think there's no doubt that Harry is proud of his medals, and it's part of his past that he is proud of.
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“There are those who would comment that a lot of his past, he was brought up after all, to be a loyal member of the Royal family.
He has not been in the last four years - because he and Megan have done a lot of damage to the royal family in their attacks.”
One of the medals was the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan which Harry earned as a helicopter pilot in Helmand in 2008.
Harry also showed off his Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee and Platinum Jubilee medals.
In the video the duke presented Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks with a Soldier of the Year gong at his £12million California home.
In a clip filmed from his back door, Harry hailed US combat medic Marks as a "friend" and "beacon of inspiration".
Prince Harry's medals
2002 - Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to all those in active service on February 6, 2002, who had been in the forces for five years.
2008 - Afghanistan Operational Service Medal to mark his service at the frontline in Helmand Province.
2012 - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded to mark his grandmother’s sixtieth year on the throne in 2012 and given to all those in the Armed Forces, emergency services, prison services and members of the Royal Household.
2022 - Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal At the Queen's procession, Harry wore Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals, as well as the KCVO Star, representing the Royal Victorian Order and the Afghanistan Service Medal on his chest.
Harry recorded the video tribute for an awards ceremony hosted by the Military Times news site, which Marks attended in person.
He told veterans watching the speech: "Know that your community and indeed the international community is grateful.
"Grateful for all the sacrifices you and your family have made, grateful for your service to your country.
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"Grateful for continuing the important values we learnt. Tonight, it's for you. Thank you for all that you've done."
Harry was last spotted wearing his medals in a comedy video he recorded for Stand Up for Heroes last November.