Prince Harry may have employed a sartorial tactic to convey a subtle message to his “beloved brother and archnemesis,” Prince William, and his father, King Charles III, according to a royal expert.
Prince Harry was spotted sporting his KCVO Neck Order and Star, which are awarded for services to the monarchy, at the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary celebration at St. Paul’s Cathedral. This award is a component of the prestigious Royal Victorian Order.
Royal author Tom Quinn suggests that Prince Harry’s choice to wear the medal signifies a significant gesture towards his family, indicating his ongoing dedication and service to the Crown. It’s also seen as a message to the royals that while they can take away his Frogmore cottage, security, and dignity, they can’t revoke this recognition.
“Wearing this was Harry’s way of reminding his family that his grandmother valued his contribution, even if his father and brother do not,” Quinn said in an interview with The Mirror. He went on to say, “Wearing the KCVO neck and star was also Harry’s way of pointing out that he’s not the bad boy he’s portrayed as being by his father and brother.”
Quinn speculated that in light of the continuing family strife, Prince Harry’s clothing would have a more defiant undertone. “It’s Harry’s way of saying he still supports the monarchy despite the way he feels he has been treated,” said Quinn. “Perhaps more importantly, wearing the medal is Harry’s way of saying ‘You’ve taken everything else from me, but you can’t take this!’”
The knighthood, conferred upon Prince Harry by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015, acknowledges his service to the monarchy, granting him the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). In addition to this honor, Prince Harry displayed his Afghanistan Service Medal and the Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals.
The revelation of Prince Harry’s choice to wear these decorations coincided with news that King Charles had not scheduled a meeting with his son during his UK visit due to a “full programme.” A spokesperson for the Duke stated that while he understands his father’s busy schedule, he hopes to see him soon.