GONGS ON
Prince Harry dons military medals in sunny Montecito mansion to give award to soldier after being stripped of titles
Prince Harry paid tribute to US Army war hero Elizabeth Marks
PRINCE Harry has donned military medals in his sunny Montecito mansion to give a soldier an award - despite being stripped of his titles.
The Duke of Sussex presented Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks with a Soldier of the Year gong at his £12million California home.
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In a clip filmed from his back door, Harry hailed US combat medic Marks as a "friend" and "beacon of inspiration".
Marks, 33, suffered bilateral hip injuries in Iraq before winning five Paralympic medals and four gold medals at Harry's Invictus Games.
Harry recorded the video tribute for an awards ceremony hosted by the Military Times news site, which Marks attended in person.
The prince wore a suit, red tie and four British Army medals in the sun-bathed clip.
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One of the medals was the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan which Harry earned as a helicopter pilot in Helmand in 2008.
Harry also showed off his Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee and Platinum Jubilee medals.
He was stripped of his military titles including Captain General of the Royal Marines after quitting royal duties in 2020.
The prince was also banned from wearing his ceremonial military uniform because he is no longer a working royal.
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But he was permitted against protocol to don his Blues and Royals No 1 Uniform and medals for the late Queen's vigil at Westminster Hall.
Harry was last spotted wearing his medals in a comedy video he recorded for Stand Up for Heroes last November.
In his speech, Harry told how he first met SFC Marks at the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida in 2016 - where she won four medals.
He said: "To me, she epitomises the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community.
"And this is not just because of her swimming abilities. 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.
"She endured injuries as a medical assistant in Iraq - along with numerous surgeries and setbacks that would have deterred many."
SFC Marks was the first woman and the first swimmer in the US Army's athlete programme for injured soldiers.
Prince Harry's medals
2002 - Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to all those in active service on February 6, 2002, who had been in the forces for five years.
2008 - Afghanistan Operational Service Medal to mark his service at the frontline in Helmand Province.
2012 - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded to mark his grandmother’s sixtieth year on the throne in 2012 and given to all those in the Armed Forces, emergency services, prison services and members of the Royal Household.
2022 - Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal At the Queen's procession, Harry wore Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals, as well as the KCVO Star, representing the Royal Victorian Order and the Afghanistan Service Medal on his chest.
Harry said: "She has used her experiences and achievements to inspire and assist others in their mental and physical journey into sport.
"This has ensured those who can’t see a way out or through are introduced to the medicine of sport that saved her too."
He added: "Ellie - you embody the Invictus spirit through your selfless service.
"You know that sport doesn't just save lives, it transforms them for the better.
"And in finding your own cure, you've helped countless brothers and sisters in staying alive.
"Your unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering hope and setting a powerful example for others to follow.
"I am honoured to call you my friend and can't thank you enough for being you - and Mason, your husband, for being so supportive of you.
He told veterans watching the speech: "Know that your community and indeed the international community is grateful.
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'Grateful for all the sacrifices you and your family have made, grateful for your service to your country.
"Grateful for continuing the important values we learnt. Tonight, it's for you. Thank you for all that you've done."
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