Queen's youngest grandson's medals explained as he pays tribute to grandmother

As we approach the Queen's state funeral tomorrow (19 September), many people have paid their respects by visiting Her Majesty's coffin while it's lying in state at Westminster Hall.

On Saturday (17 September), a 15-minute vigil was held for the Queen's grandchildren, which included Prince William and Prince Harry.

At the vigil, the two brothers wore the uniform of the Blues and Royals, displaying medals of their military achievements.

The medals they were wearing also displayed their commitment to public service and key milestones in Queen Elizabeth II's long 70-year reign.

William and Harry were joined by cousins Peter Phillips (the Queen's eldest grandchild), 44, and James, Viscount Severn (the Queen's youngest grandchild), 14, who are certainly less well known to the public.

James, Viscount Severn is the son of Prince Edward, whereas Peter Phillips is the son of Anne, the Princess Royal.

People watching the vigil on TV were quick to ask what the medals of the Queen's youngest grandchild, James, were for, especially since he's only 14.

Someone explain what the queen’s 14 year old grandson’s medals are for? the kid is only just old enough for DofE

— jessica 🌻🐝🍋 (@je551ca02) September 18, 2022

A 14 year old grandson of the queen has 2 medals.

Please explain.

— Alan Molineaux (@almolx) September 17, 2022

The Queen's youngest grandson is 14 so how tf does he have military medals

— L (@ohbutnothough) September 17, 2022

One user on Twitter asked: "A 14 year old grandson of the queen has 2 medals. Please explain."

A second added: "Why does the Queen’s 14-year-old grandson have medals? Genuine question. What has he got them for?"

A third person said: "I just need someone to explain to me what the medals are on the chest of the Queen's 14 year old grandson."

Meanwhile, a fourth questioned: "How does Queen's grandson James (Edward's lad) have medals? He's 14. This is a mad, mad country."

James donned the least amount of medals of the royal family during all the vigils that have taken place in the last few days, and that is to be expected with his age.

The explanation is pretty simple - the medals he wore aren't military.

The young royal wore two medals, one for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and another one for her late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.

The Queen's eldest grandchild Peter Phillips also wore those medals, as well as the 2002 Golden Jubilee medal.

If you are wanting to pay your respects to the Queen before tomorrow's state funeral, you may want to get in the queue soon as the last visitors will be let into Westminster Hall just before 6:30am tomorrow.