Prince Harry’s recent appearance provoked a barrage of criticism for wearing his medals for serving in the British army and others related to royal duties.
Every time Harry makes a public appearance, the social media are in an uproar and his detractors come out to scrutinize every move he makes.
This time, Harry appeared in a video to give an emotional speech from his residence in Montecito (California).
The Duke of Sussex made his special appearance at the Military Times “Soldier of the Year” award ceremony for U.S. combat medic Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks.
Sgt. Marks suffered hip injuries while deployed to Iraq in 2010 when she was just 19 years old.
Harry spoke of his bond with Sgt. Marks through the Invictus Games.
“I first met Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks at the Invictus Games in Orlando 2016, where I presented her with not one, but four gold medals that she’d won in swimming. To me, she epitomises the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community. And this is not just because of her swimming abilities,” said the Duke of Sussex.
The prince went on to pay tribute to the American sergeant’s character:
“Ellie has courageously overcome every obstacle to cross her path. She has turned her pain into purpose and led through compassion and willpower, showing others that the impossible is indeed possible.”
Harry said Sergeant Marks is a beacon of inspiration within the service community, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines the Invictus Games.
In addition, Harry was grateful for Elizabeth’s friendship and the support she receives from her husband, Mason.
“I am honoured to call you my friend and can’t thank you enough for being you – and for Mason, your husband, for being supportive of you,” he said.
Why did online users troll Prince Harry?
For this video appearance, Harry was wearing a suit and on his chest, on the left side hung the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan presented in 2008, his Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal, his Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and his Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Harry’s decision to wear these medals was reason enough to start an online troll.
Critics of the Sussexes questioned Prince Harry’s choice to give a speech at such a prestigious U.S. military event.
Many did not understand why Harry had been chosen over U.S. veterans.
Critics were unaware that Harry was well acquainted with ‘Soldier of the Year’.
For others, it was a very special gesture on Prince Harry’s part to give the speech about her.
Other users mocked the Duke of Sussex for his decision to wear his Army medals while presenting an award to an American soldier.
Despite the backlash, there were those who defended Harry’s gesture, highlighting the significance of the medals he wore and the sincerity of his tribute to Sgt. Marks.