You don’t have to be a seasoned collector of British historical medals and medallions to know that a huge number of designs are dedicated to, or based on, events, milestones and people connected to the Royal family. This is because the monarchy played a major part in many of the country’s key events. Political and social change was often heavily influenced by the actions and preferences of Britain’s kings and queens, not least during the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the country’s brief foray into republicanism.
British Royal medals also depict more personal aspects of the monarchy, including showing off large families, commemorating births and deaths and celebrating key events like marriages and jubilees. Sometimes, medals and medallions would be commissioned to mark significant trips taken by members of the royal family abroad, or when foreign visitors were hosted in Great Britain. This was very much the case during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th Century.
1838 Victoria Coronation Medal
Royal medals were also presented to individuals achieving a high status in their field of expertise, or demonstrating acts of bravery, intelligence or service above and beyond what is normally expected. These are cherished within the families that receive them. They are symbols of astonishing achievement or excellence of character made even more significant by the act of recognition by the British monarchy that their presentation represents.
A third key aspect of collecting British Royal medals is to explore those examples presented to and worn by members of the Royal family. Often, these are given by a senior member of the family to those further down the ranks, or are presented by foreign dignitaries or even British organisations and institutions. These are normally more valuable as they are harder to come by, with many remaining in the royal collection, rather than going on sale to a wider market.
Here are some examples of British royal family medals available to purchase: Royal Medals Collection
What is the significance of being awarded a royal medal?
Each royal medal has its own significance, depending on its age, scarcity and depicted theme or reason for being commissioned. Some examples include rewards for personal service to the monarch (e.g. the Royal Victorian Medal) or a member of the royal family, or a high achievement in the field of science, the arts or the military (e.g. the Royal Society Royal Medal for excellence in the biological, physical or applied sciences). These come with a high level of ‘kudos’ and acclaim, as they are only presented after the recipient has achieved something significant.
Other royal medals are given at a historically significant moment, such as a royal coronation, jubilee or marriage. These can be given to limited numbers, or handed out or made available to a wider audience. Some are made to go on sale, or to be part of a set of medals or medallions that keen numismatists can purchase to build on an existing collection.
Royal medals can sometimes be awarded in person by a member of the royal family at a distinguished ceremony at Buckingham Palace or another prestigious location. This adds to the pomp and gravitas of the occasion and adds to the provenance and thus financial value, of the award. Often, they are inscribed with the name and personal details of the recipient, making them a unique piece of history for any individual or family.
What medals do the British Royal Family wear?
So, why do the royal family have so many medals? On formal occasions, many of its members appear in public adorned with several medals and awards pinned to their chest. These can be a variety of military and service awards, as well as jubilee and coronation medals and other decorations commemorating major royal milestones and events.
King Charles III wears several different British medals pertaining to military and family milestones. He has also been awarded the Garter Star when he was invested as a Knight of the Garter. Likewise, Princess Anne wears several important medals, including the Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the Thistle. Senior members of the royal family also wear personal medals consisting of a bejewelled portrait of the monarch worn on a ribbon, the colour of which changes according to the reigning monarch at the time of presentation.
Other types of British historical medals connected to royalty
Another popular area of interest for collectors of British medals is around military achievements, battle victories, and war. Often, this specialism crosses over with royal medals, as historical monarchs were often heavily involved in military campaigns. British war and victory medals come with a wealth of fascinating history and provenance, as do British Empire medals that provide fascinating insight into how the country, and its monarchy was perceived around the world. From celebrations of early military victories to modern-day declarations of political friendship, British royal medals are an enduring and important part of the country’s political and social history.
Here are some examples of military medals available to purchase: Military Medals Collection