Medals

[codswallop]

Having watched some of the Jubilee celebrations I noticed that Prince Edward had some medals pinned on his uniform,How is it that he only spent "5 minutes" in the military and has accrued medals,when you consider the seamen who did the Baltic sea run during WW2 didn't even get a campaign medal????? Thanks!!

[VHG]

While I not particularly anti-royal, there are times when their behaviour really annoys me.

For example just a few days ago the Queen awarded Prince Charles the three highest ranks in the military, in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

So he became a Field Marshal (army), Admiral of the Fleet (navy) and Marshal of the Royal Air Force (air force).

This to me is a total abuse of her position and is the worst example of nepotism.

While the last few weeks have shown as huge support for the royal family in this country I do think there are times when they abuse their position, and this is one of these times.

[chakka35]

I wouldn't worry, VHG; these are only figurehead posts. He is never going to command any navy, army or airforce.

[VHG]

>these are only figurehead posts. He is never going to command any navy, army or airforce.

Which makes the whole thing even more stupid.

I wish the royal family would not do this as it destorys all the good will they have built up in the last few months.

[woofgang]

Can I put a different slant on this. If the Monarch is the head of the armed forces, and they are her Majesty's forces, than means that the army aren't independent, as they are in some countries, or under the ultimate control of the government. As we are a"polite" non rioting, non coup masterminding and so on nation, this may not be particularly important now but it would have been in the past and, who knows, might be again in the future. While the Queen and her heir hold the power, other people can't.
I know I haven't explained that well...does it make any sense?

[bookbinder]

According to this website:
http://en.wikipedia.o...dward,_Earl_of_Wessex
Prince Edward is entitled to wear the following medals:
Awarded 10.03.1977 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.
Awarded 1990 New Zealand Commemorative Medal.
Awarded 02.06.2002 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
Awarded 07.06.2005 Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan.
Awarded 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

[brionon]

You forgot the Blinking useless Medal.

[bookbinder]

brionon, isn't the abbreviation for that the BUM?

[jake-the-peg]

Woofgang - the Monarch is not the head of the armed forces.

This is a *constitutional* monarchy and these roles are as as honorary.

The Queen is no more in control of the Armed forces than Prince Charles is an accountant for having an honorary accountancy degree.

The codes to launch Trident are with the Prime Minister not Buckingham Palace!

The Royal familly are here whilst they still enjoy our overall support - this is exceptionally well understood by the Queen hence her absolute obsession to present a good face to the nation.

We cut Charles I's head off, we chased James II out of the country and according to many her Uncle was forced to abdicate.

Make no mistake the Royal familly ihas influence but not power

[codswallop]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
bookbinder they seem the type of medals you can buy on e-bay or as much worth.

[chakka35]

If you are going to be that literal about it, VHG, then we must abandon all honorary titles, most of which have nothing to do with royalty.

Relax. Such quirks and eccentricities are all part of the rich pageantry of British life.