Prince Harry wore his KCVO Neck Order and Star at St Paul’s Cathedral last night, with one royal expert suggesting it was used to send a message to King Charles and Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex was at the cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Royal Family decided not to attend the event, but that didn’t stop Harry from paying tribute to his time as a senior working royal.
The KCVO Neck Order and Star Harry wore is given for service to the monarchy. The medal is awarded as part of the Royal Victorian Order – a monarchical order of knighthood. Royal author Tom Quinn believes the move is a message to Charles and William that Harry offered a “valued contribution” to the monarchy.
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It could be seen as a message to Prince William and King Charles ( Image: Getty Images)
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Tom said: “Harry was seen wearing his Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order medal at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Invictus service. The medal was given to Harry in 2015 by his late grandmother Elizabeth II for ‘services to the monarchy’.
“Wearing this was Harry’s way of reminding his family that his grandmother valued his contribution, even if his father and brother do not. 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.
“It’s Harry’s way of saying he still supports the monarchy despite the way he feels he has been treated. 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!'”
Harry was knighted by his grandmother the Queen in 2015 for his service to the monarchy. He was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) privately at Buckingham Palace.
As well as the KCVO Neck Order and Star, Harry has an Afghanistan Service Medal and a Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medal, which he wore to the service. Harry’s decision to wear the KCVO Neck Order and Star comes after it was announced King Charles was too busy to meet his son.
In a statement, Harry’s spokesperson said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”