Here's why 14-year-old James, Viscount Severn was wearing medals during vigil around Queen's coffin

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By stefan armitage

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On Saturday evening, all eight of the late queen's grandchildren stood around her coffin to observe a 15-minute vigil in Westminister Hall.

The historic moment marked the first time a monarch's grandchildren have taken part in the historic tradition - known as the Vigil of the Princes.

Queen Elizabeth II's four children - King Charles III, Princes Andrew and Edward, and Princess Anne - have performed two vigils following her death on September 8 - the most recent being on Friday.

Many viewers of last night's ceremony took to Twitter to commend the eight grandchildren for their remarkable strength, with many highlighting the youngest of the Queen's grandchildren, 18-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and 14-year-old James, Viscount Severn.

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Credit: PA Images / Alamy

"This made me cry. Hats off to every single one of them but especially Lady Louise and Viscount Severn. Just babies really yet were impeccable. I just want to hug them and tell them we don't mind if they cry," wrote one Royal fan.

A second added: "So proud of them. They are grieving and doing their Grannie proud."

However, some eagle-eyed viewers couldn't help but comment on the fact that James, Viscount Severn - son of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex - entered Westminister Hall wearing two medals on his suit jacket.

Considering the fact the young Royal is just 14 years old, they couldn't help but question why the teenager was sporting medals.

One Twitter user asked: "What are Prince Edward’s 14 year old son’s medals for, anyone know?"

A second added: "A 14 year old grandson of the queen has 2 medals. Please explain."

"Amazing how many medals a fourteen year old can be awarded if they belong to the right family," a third added.

Well, the answer is very simple. Despite many viewers mistaking the viewers to be for service in the military - like his cousin Prince Harry's Operational Service Medal - James, Viscount Severn's were gifts from Her Majesty the Queen herself.

The two commemorative medals were designed for the late queen's Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and were given to members of the Royal Family.

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Credit: PA Images / Alamy

Like with previous Jubilee celebrations, these medals were also awarded to members of the armed services and emergency services who were eligible (often down to time served).

Due to the young age of James, Viscount Severn, this was the first time he had opted to wear the medals - choosing not to wear them at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations back in June or at Wednesday's service in Westminister Hall.

Meanwhile, the young Royal's older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in her own special way, wearing a simple silver necklace with a horse pendant.

size-large wp-image-1263169560
Credit: PA Images / Alamy

The elegant piece of jewelry was a nod to her late grandmother's love of horses.

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy

Here's why 14-year-old James, Viscount Severn was wearing medals during vigil around Queen's coffin

vt-author-image

By stefan armitage

Article saved!Article saved!

On Saturday evening, all eight of the late queen's grandchildren stood around her coffin to observe a 15-minute vigil in Westminister Hall.

The historic moment marked the first time a monarch's grandchildren have taken part in the historic tradition - known as the Vigil of the Princes.

Queen Elizabeth II's four children - King Charles III, Princes Andrew and Edward, and Princess Anne - have performed two vigils following her death on September 8 - the most recent being on Friday.

Many viewers of last night's ceremony took to Twitter to commend the eight grandchildren for their remarkable strength, with many highlighting the youngest of the Queen's grandchildren, 18-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and 14-year-old James, Viscount Severn.

size-large wp-image-1263169562
Credit: PA Images / Alamy

"This made me cry. Hats off to every single one of them but especially Lady Louise and Viscount Severn. Just babies really yet were impeccable. I just want to hug them and tell them we don't mind if they cry," wrote one Royal fan.

A second added: "So proud of them. They are grieving and doing their Grannie proud."

However, some eagle-eyed viewers couldn't help but comment on the fact that James, Viscount Severn - son of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex - entered Westminister Hall wearing two medals on his suit jacket.

Considering the fact the young Royal is just 14 years old, they couldn't help but question why the teenager was sporting medals.

One Twitter user asked: "What are Prince Edward’s 14 year old son’s medals for, anyone know?"

A second added: "A 14 year old grandson of the queen has 2 medals. Please explain."

"Amazing how many medals a fourteen year old can be awarded if they belong to the right family," a third added.

Well, the answer is very simple. Despite many viewers mistaking the viewers to be for service in the military - like his cousin Prince Harry's Operational Service Medal - James, Viscount Severn's were gifts from Her Majesty the Queen herself.

The two commemorative medals were designed for the late queen's Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and were given to members of the Royal Family.

size-large wp-image-1263169561
Credit: PA Images / Alamy

Like with previous Jubilee celebrations, these medals were also awarded to members of the armed services and emergency services who were eligible (often down to time served).

Due to the young age of James, Viscount Severn, this was the first time he had opted to wear the medals - choosing not to wear them at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations back in June or at Wednesday's service in Westminister Hall.

Meanwhile, the young Royal's older sister, Lady Louise Windsor, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in her own special way, wearing a simple silver necklace with a horse pendant.

size-large wp-image-1263169560
Credit: PA Images / Alamy

The elegant piece of jewelry was a nod to her late grandmother's love of horses.

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy