1: Order of Merit, civil version2: GCB3: Queen's Service Order (New Zealand)4: Queen's Coronation medal5: Queen's Silver Jubilee medal6: Queen's Golden Jubilee medal7: Canadian forces decoration8: NZ commemorative medal9: Knight of Most Noble Order of the Garter Prince Charles has risen to four star rank in the armed services this week, but what are all his medals for?
1: Order of Merit, civil version2: GCB3: Queen's Service Order (New Zealand)4: Queen's Coronation medal5: Queen's Silver Jubilee medal6: Queen's Golden Jubilee medal7: Canadian forces decoration8: NZ commemorative medal9: Knight of Most Noble Order of the Garter Prince Charles has risen to four star rank in the armed services this week, but what are all his medals for?
The Prince of Wales has just turned 58, an occasion marked by rising to four-star rank in each of the armed services - a general in the Army, admiral in the Navy and air chief marshall in the RAF, further adding to the breast-full of medals he wears with his military uniforms.
The Prince of Wales has just turned 58, an occasion marked by rising to four-star rank in each of the armed services - a general in the Army, admiral in the Navy and air chief marshall in the RAF, further adding to the breast-full of medals he wears with his military uniforms.
But Prince Charles last saw active service - rather than his honorary or ceremonial roles - 30 years ago. After training in the early 1970s, he served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, culminating in 1976 as captain of coastal minesweeper HMS Bronington.
But Prince Charles last saw active service - rather than his honorary or ceremonial roles - 30 years ago. After training in the early 1970s, he served in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, culminating in 1976 as captain of coastal minesweeper HMS Bronington.
So what are his collection of 31 decorations for?
So what are his collection of 31 decorations for?
Unlike his brother Andrew, awarded the Falkland Islands medal, Prince Charles has not been decorated for active service in a war. Instead his honours are made up of awards for serving in a particular time or place, being a member of a high-ranking order or medals from other countries.
Unlike his brother Andrew, awarded the Falkland Islands medal, Prince Charles has not been decorated for active service in a war. Instead his honours are made up of awards for serving in a particular time or place, being a member of a high-ranking order or medals from other countries.
Starting with the bar of medals pinned to his breast, he has the Queen's Service Order (New Zealand), awarded in 1983; the Queen's Coronation medal, awarded in 1953 when he was four-years-old; the Queen's Silver Jubilee medal, awarded in 1977; the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal, awarded in 2002; the Canadian forces decoration, awarded in 2002; and the New Zealand commemorative medal, awarded in 1990.
Starting with the bar of medals pinned to his breast, he has the Queen's Service Order (New Zealand), awarded in 1983; the Queen's Coronation medal, awarded in 1953 when he was four-years-old; the Queen's Silver Jubilee medal, awarded in 1977; the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal, awarded in 2002; the Canadian forces decoration, awarded in 2002; and the New Zealand commemorative medal, awarded in 1990.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines Some, like the coronation and jubilee awards, mark the fact that he was present for these events and ceremonies. The golden jubilee medal was awarded to all serving personnel of five years standing.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines Some, like the coronation and jubilee awards, mark the fact that he was present for these events and ceremonies. The golden jubilee medal was awarded to all serving personnel of five years standing.
Below those, the large silver star with the cross of St George in the centre shows he is a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This was awarded in 1958 when he was nominated as the Prince of Wales.
Below those, the large silver star with the cross of St George in the centre shows he is a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This was awarded in 1958 when he was nominated as the Prince of Wales.
The white enamelled Maltese Cross at his neck is the GCB, worn as Grand Master and Principal Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a military version of the honour awarded in 1974.
The white enamelled Maltese Cross at his neck is the GCB, worn as Grand Master and Principal Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a military version of the honour awarded in 1974.
And on the right is the red enamelled Order of Merit, civil version, awarded in 2002.
And on the right is the red enamelled Order of Merit, civil version, awarded in 2002.
What to wear
What to wear
These show that Charles is a member of high-ranking military orders, and those headed by his mother show that he is next in line for the throne.
These show that Charles is a member of high-ranking military orders, and those headed by his mother show that he is next in line for the throne.
The Knights of the Garter, for example, include the sovereign, the successor and up to 25 other "companions" - former prime ministers and other figures with a solid record of service to the country.
The Knights of the Garter, for example, include the sovereign, the successor and up to 25 other "companions" - former prime ministers and other figures with a solid record of service to the country.
But don't expect to see the future king wearing all of his military bling at once - he picks and chooses from his collection to suit the occasion.
But don't expect to see the future king wearing all of his military bling at once - he picks and chooses from his collection to suit the occasion.
Fortunate, as he would be hard-pressed to fit all on at once. In addition to his domestic honours he has neck orders, breast stars, medals, decorations and awards from another 18 other countries, many given to mark his birthdays.
Fortunate, as he would be hard-pressed to fit all on at once. In addition to his domestic honours he has neck orders, breast stars, medals, decorations and awards from another 18 other countries, many given to mark his birthdays.
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Whilst I have no problem with Prince Charles wearing his honorary medals, I do wish the government were as keen to award the servicemen who have actually served in the forces with the medals that they are owed. Veterans of the Suez had to fight tooth and nail to get recognition for their service. Many men and women who were fortunate to serve at a time of relative peace have no visible recognition of their service to Queen and country. Time for the Government to redress that omission.Mick, Marlborough
My father and little brother did tours of Northern Ireland and were given one simple general service medal, whilst a mate who served in the Falklands war was also given just the basic campaign medal.Recently, there has been an increase in made up, internet-available medals that are now being seen on unworthy chests during Remembrance Day events and I regard the wearers with utter contempt. Stewart, Dundee
