Q: Why do the men of the United Kingdom’s royal family have so many medals on their uniforms? It seemed that few, if any, family members at the recent royal wedding participated in armed conflicts. Are medals given for other accomplishments?
-- Tony Gardner, Cumming
A: As members of the British military, they wear the medals they've earned "for serving in a particular time or place, being a member of a high-ranking order or medals from other countries," according to a 2006 BBC News article. Prince Charles doesn't have medals for active service during wartime, but has been awarded the Queen's Service Order (New Zealand), the Queen's Silver Jubilee medal, the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal and the Canadian forces decoration, among others, according to the article. Prince William, as a Knight of the Order of the Garter, wore the order's blue sash, medal and star, in addition to the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal and the Wings of the Royal Air Force at his April 29 wedding. Prince Andrew and Prince Harry both have medals for active service in wartime. Prince Andrew was a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War in 1982, and Prince Harry served 10 weeks in Afghanistan, receiving a campaign medal in 2008, according to The (London) Telegraph.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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