Coronation medal decision yet to be announced

The Government has still made no public announcement to confirm whether or not coronation medals will be awarded to members of the Armed Forces with less than two days to go before King Charles III is crowned.

Traditionally, monarchs have had their own coronation medal, given to members of the Firm (an informal title for the British Royal Family and its associated institutions), as well as selected members of the Armed Forces, public servants, police and others. 

However, last month, a spokesperson for the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) said the Government was still "considering options" for a coronation medal and, as yet, there is still no update as to whether or not such an award will be issued for the coronation of the King.

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A DCMS spokesperson said last month: "As with other major state occasions we are considering options for a coronation medal.

"More detail will be announced in due course."

Now, the Armed Forces are ready for the momentous Royal ceremonial event with most rehearsals completed or under way, while the final preparations are being made ahead of Saturday's Coronation Day, but still with no decision announced over the awarding of medals to mark the occasion.

Previous medals

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953, there was a medal issued to mark the grand occasion.

This medal was made for more than 120,000 people, from Royals and Government officials to members of the Armed Forces and the police.

Her Majesty's medal, crafted in silver and designed by Cecil Thomas, featured Queen Elizabeth II dressed in her ermine cloak.

On the reverse, the medal had an engraving of Her Majesty's royal cypher, surrounded by the words: "QUEEN ELIZABETH II CROWNED 2nd JUNE 1953."

The medal also featured a dark red ribbon with two blue stripes running through the centre and two white contrasting stripes flanking the edges.

A new medal was also made to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee last year.

The Platinum Jubilee medal was given to members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the George Cross and Victoria Cross to thank them for their service.

It featured a portrait of the Queen with the Latin inscription "Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fid Def", which translates to "Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen, defender of the faith".

The medals were also given to frontline emergency service workers, prison staff and members of the Royal Household.

The Armed Forces will play a major role in the coronation of King Charles III, as they did for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

Buckingham Palace has announced details of the ceremonial events, including the procession carriages and route, the coronation regalia and the military involvement.

There is even a new emoji of St Edward's Crown which has been unveiled to mark the coronation weekend.