Thread by @GrahamSmith_

Some people seem to think Charles has earned these medals and ranks because he spent a brief spell in the armed forces fifty years ago. So let's look at what he's wearing and why it's completely inappropriate or dishonest. 🧵

https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith_/status/1857714319321977292

Firstly, should he wear uniform at all? It's been pointed out he's commander in chief of the military, yet that's true of most heads of state. Most heads of state do not wear uniform.

Charles is not in the armed forces in any meaningful sense and hasn't been since 1976. We're a democracy with a civilian government, not one led by the military. There is no rhyme or reason why our head of state should dress up in uniform.

To those who think it's because he's the head of state, why was he wearing uniform before that? It's something he's done for a long time, and without any good reason other than he wants to. Why should the son of the head of state in a democracy dress up as a senior officer?

As for his military career, this was in the Navy from 1971 to 1976. He left with the rank of Commander. He was no longer in the military, except in a uniquely royal way, being given new ranks and titles by his mother. There was no need for this, but it's what they do.

It was after he left the Navy, at the time of his 30th birthday, that his mum gave him the title of Colonel in Chief of the Parachute regiment. He learnt how to parachute, he didn't serve as a para. Yet today he'll still wear the wings, uniform and beret he has not earned.

For that same birthday he was promoted Wing Commander in the RAF and given an honorary post of commander in the Navy. He had left the Navy, he had no further claim to the rank. He had not earned the Wing Commander rank in the RAF, yet he'll happily dress up in their uniform.

His mum awarded him promotions in the Navy and RAF for his 40th birthday too, raising him to captain and group captain. For his 50th birthday he was promoted to rear-admiral, major-general and air vice marshall in the Navy, Army, and RAF respectively.

In 2012 the Queen promoted her son again, not to award good service, but to mark her golden jubilee. He was advanced to the highest rank in each service, becoming an honorary admiral of the fleet, field-marshal and marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Since becoming a Commander in the Royal Navy in 1976 Charles did nothing to earn any further promotion. He left the Navy that same year. Yet he held the most senior ranks in all the services because his mum wanted him to. Nepotism was the reason, not merit or service.

There was no need for any of this. But they like to associated themselves with the military because it helps to reinforce the notion that their squalid monarchy is somehow a natural part of the state, an important part of our national life. And they like dressing up.

We have an institution that thinks its ok for our head of state to award ranks in our armed forces as birthday presents to her son. How is that ok in a democracy?

So the ranks and uniforms are unearned. He also wears a lot of medals which some people have defended. Again, this is largely for show. Royal medals have little to do with merit, and those who haven't served a day, such as Edward and Anne also wear them.

Going left to right, the first is the Queen’s Service Order (New Zealand). This is awarded for community service in New Zealand. Charles has never lived in New Zealand. It certainly isn't a signifier of service in the military.

The next one is the Coronation Medal. Eligibility for this was for services personnel serving at the time of his coronation and others involved in the coronation. It was meant as a thank you, albeit for being part of a pointless parade. But of course Charles wanted one too.

The next four are the Silver Jubilee Medal, Golden Jubilee Medal, Diamond Jubilee Medal and Platinum Jubilee Medal. Like the coronation medal they were for those serving in the armed forces at the time, although not everyone in the armed services. Charles only held honorary ranks

Despite this he still wears these medals, which are not for any particular service or merit but for being in the armed forces for at least five years at the time of a celebration of the head of state's unending time in office. But of course Charles wanted these too.

Then we have the Naval Long Service Good Conduct (LSGC). Until relatively recently this wasn't available to officers who had not served in the ranks, and has only ever been available to those who serve at least fifteen years. Charles was a commissioned officer for five years.

Then we have the Canadian Forces Decoration with three additional service bars. This is for members of the Canadian armed forces who have served for twelve years. Charles has never served in the Canadian armed forces.

Next is the New Zealand Commemorative Medal, created in 1990 to mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. This was awarded "only during 1990 to 3,632 selected persons in recognition of the contribution they had made to some aspect of New Zealand life"

It was meant for New Zealanders to mark an important milestone. Why did Charles get one? He's not a New Zealander, he has never lived there and he hasn't contributed anything to New Zealanad life.

Finally there is the New Zealand Armed Forces Award. This is also a long service award, for serving in the NZ armed services, something he has never done. He may hold an honorary title, but that isn't service in any meaningful sense. It is just a medal for having a title.

So these medals are not earned, any more than his ranks and uniforms. Yes, he once earned the rank of commander in the Navy. Then he left. He no longer had a career in the armed forces, but continued to receive promotions in all three services.

His medals give the impression of service, yet they are medals meant for serving personnel, but given to him long after he had left, and awarded for long service that he never did, including in overseas services he spent no time in.

This is why it is offensive to see Charles dress up like this. He is cosplaying at being a seasoned and experienced officer who has a long service record, when he has no such record. Those medals should be reserved for men and women who genuinely serve, often at great risk.