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Ever wondered what those royal medals and badges are? And what is it with this red uniform William wore for his wedding in 2011? Here is a glimpse into the admittedly complicated world of regalia.

So, grab your mug, get comfy and enjoy!

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Now for the details

#1 The military uniforms

William has many uniforms he can choose from since he is commissioned in all three Armed Services. He earned his wings with the Royal Air Force (RAF, Search and Rescue), has actively served in the Army with the Household Cavalry Regiment and has on top of that accomplished a training program at Britannia Royal Naval College.

Prince William started his military career in 2006 at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, where he trained to become an officer. He ended his active service in 2013, followed by a full-time job as a pilot with the East Anglia Air Ambulance. So, by every means he is a military man.

Here is an overview of the military uniforms he is eligible to wear:

1. Royal Air Force uniform
2. Irish Guards officer’s uniform
3. Blues and Royals uniform
4. Navy uniform

1. Royal Air Force uniform

2. Irish Guards Officers uniform

3. Blue and Royals uniform

4. Navy uniform

# 2 The medals

William has two medals on him in the infographic above: The Golden Jubilee medal and the Diamond Jubilee medal which both mark his grandmothers anniversaries on the throne. He was given the Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 and the Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012, to respectively commemorate the 50th and the 60th anniversary of his grandmother”s reign.

1. The Golden Jubilee Medal

Below are the UK version (left) and the Canadian version of the medal which were awarded to active personnel in the British Armed Forces and emergency personnel who had completed 5 years of qualifying service. Also in Canada, New Zealand and Australia the award was given to people upon nomination and qualification.

2. The Diamond Jubilee medal

Below is a photograph of a Diamond Jubilee medal up close. Equally like the Golden Jubilee medal, this medal was awarded to distinguished military and emergency personnel in the United Kingdom and its overseas territories.

Researching this topic a little, I was astonished to see how many original Diamond and Golden Jubilee medals were up for sale. The example above can be bought online for approximately 40-50 pounds! So if you are in for it or you have a royal fan amongst your friends, this might be a good idea to treat yourself or a friend.

#3 Orders

The most prominent features on Prince William’s uniforms are the orders on his right. In the royal world those exact orders make all the difference and set William apart from the minor royals. The first order on top of his uniform goes by the fancy name “The Most Noble Order of the Garter”. The second doesn’t stand behind – namewise and is called “The Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of the Thistle. Yep! So, let’s close in a little on these two big birds.

1. The Most Noble Order of the Garter

This order is the highest order in the British honors system and is an order of chivalry, which means that William is technically a knight! The order was founded by Edward III. of England in 1348 and is highly exclusive. The Garter order is limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales (as his or her heir) and 24 living members or their companions only. This order is only outranked by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. Prince William was given this special order in 2008 by his grandmother.

Together with the Garter order there is the Garter riband – which is blue. William wore it for his wedding and in the infographic above.

I chose this picture to also give you a glimpse of what the uniform looks from behind. One can also see the riband badge, the so-called “Lesser George”, with the motto of the Order: Honi soit qui mal y pense, which translates into “Shame on him who thinks evil.”.

2. The Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of the Thistle

This chivalry order is associated with Scotland and was founded around 1687. A clear founding date is unknown. Like the Garter order, it is highly exclusive with only 16 members next to the sovereign being granted to carry the order. Originally, all members were required to be Scottish-born. But this was changed and so-called “extra knights and ladies” were allowed to be credited with this order. Prince William was given that special order in 2012.

#4 Aiguilettes

These are the gold braids that William is wearing on his left shoulder in the infographic above. Before I continue, here you can hear how this nice French word is being pronounced:

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Those aiguillettes (my new word of the day!) indicate that William belongs to the personal Aide-De-Camp (ADC) of the Queen. What does that mean? Like with all his medals and orders, the Aide-De-Camp is limited to a small number of people. It is an honorary role given to selected members of the Royal Family holding military rank. Those members have actually few duties. ADCs are allowed to represent the Queen on memorials or being in close attendance on state functions such as the opening of parliament. Queen Victoria was the first one to institute the appointment of a small group of trusted people as ADCs. Prince William was given given that honor in 2013 by the Queen joining his father Prince Charles, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry, Princess Anne’s husband Tim Laurence and of course the Queen’s husband Prince Philip among few others.