Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke of York will retain his Falklands War campaign medal despite being stripped of his remaining royal military titles in a significant restructuring of his public role.
The decision means Prince Andrew will keep the South Atlantic Medal, awarded for his service during the 1982 conflict, while losing his prestigious positions as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and Colonel of the Yorkshire Regiment.
Palace Confirms Medal Retention
In an official statement, palace officials clarified that while the Duke's military affiliations are being removed as part of his reduced working royal status, his campaign medals "remain unaffected by these changes." This distinction highlights the different treatment between honours earned through service and honorary appointments granted by virtue of royal position.
Ongoing Royal Restructuring
The move represents the latest step in the Duke's gradual withdrawal from public royal duties following the controversy surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The removal of his colonelcies follows his earlier stepping back from frontline royal engagements in 2019.
A royal source emphasised that the decision reflects the Duke's changed status rather than a commentary on his military service. "The medals recognise actual service, while the titles were honorary positions," the source explained.
Falklands Service Record
Prince Andrew served as a Sea King helicopter co-pilot during the Falklands conflict, flying multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare and casualty evacuation duties. His service aboard HMS Invincible earned him the South Atlantic Medal with rosette, awarded to those who served within the designated combat zone.
The retention of his campaign medals ensures the Duke maintains this tangible recognition of his active military service, even as his ceremonial military roles are withdrawn.
