Quarrel over bid to limit coronation medals: King Charles ‘furious’ that some members of the armed forces and police may be missing out on commemorative awards
King Charles would be furious that some members of the armed forces and police are missing out on special commemorative coronation medals.
It was expected that the details of the medal would be known by now, but a row over government funding was said to hamper the plans.
It is feared that the cost of decorating hundreds of thousands of uniformed personnel could be as high as £35 million – and that there isn’t enough metal to do that.
Sources close to the King, however, said he wanted all serving members of the frontline of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the armed forces to be awarded a medal – just like last year at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. They said, ‘The king is furious about it. He thinks that all soldiers who participate in the coronation should receive a medal for this, in line with previous celebrations.’
King Charles would be furious that some members of the armed forces and police are missing out on special commemorative coronation medals
It was expected that the details of the medal would be known by now, but a row over government funding was said to hamper the plans
While around 120,000 medals were awarded at the Queen’s coronation in 1953, only 10,000 are expected this time around – although sources dispute this figure.
These are expected to go to key people involved in the big day, as well as members of the royal household.
Last night, sources said Defense Secretary Ben Wallace’s attempts to give medals to every serving member were thwarted by Suella Braverman’s Department of the Interior.
They said: ‘Ben insists that every member of the armed forces be given a medal – about 220,000. But other departments, led by Suella in the Interior Ministry, are trying to block it.
“It’s pure spite, because they don’t want to be fooled by the Ministry of Defense.”
However, Interior Ministry sources said that while they supported the plans, they had expressed concern about how they would be funded, fearing that the money would have to come from existing budgets.
One of them said: “We support giving coronation medals to armed forces personnel and other uniformed officers. Together with other departments, we have asked for a cross-government approach to fund the funding of these medals.”
The medal is not expected to be ready in time for May 6, but will be awarded at a later date. The design has yet to be revealed, but the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has said it is still considering options.
While around 120,000 medals were issued at the Queen’s coronation in 1953, only 10,000 are expected this time around – although sources dispute this figure
A Coronation Medal was made for Queen Elizabeth II when she was crowned. It featured a portrait of the Queen on one side and her Royal Code on the other, and was given to members of the Royal Family, government officials, and members of the armed forces.
Coronation Medals have been issued for every British monarch since the coronation of King George IV in 1821. They have also been issued by other Commonwealth realms such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Medals have also been issued to commemorate the late Queen’s Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilees.
A DCMS spokesperson said: “As with other major state events, we are considering options for a coronation medal. More details will be announced in due course.’
A source disputed the £35 million figure, saying the metal issue had not been raised by officials.