King Charles’ medals explained – the history of the King’s military past [Video]

While this year’s Trooping the Colour will be slightly different due to the King’s ongoing cancer treatment, the monarch will no doubt still mark the event in his military uniform.

The King often wears the colours of the Royal Air Force, having served with the aerial force in 1971 and becoming a fully qualified helicopter pilot in 1974. The King served in the military during the 1970s, retiring in 1976, however, he has kept a close relationship with the RAF and holds the highest titles in the regiment.

In 2012, his mother bestowed upon him the highest possible rank for all three forces, making him a Field Marshal, an Admiral of the Fleet and a Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Although the King never saw active military service, unlike his younger brother Prince Andrew and son Prince Harry, he still wears medals, although these reflect his lack of combat experience.

The King’s medals

The King has 11 medals on his …