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Prince PhilipQueen Elizabeth II

The Queen and Prince Philip receive medals for long-time service

Her Majesty The Queen has served as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for 64 years. Today, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she received an award for her long-time service and exemplary conduct.

Receiving these medals could be considered long overdue since the Queen has served the country and Commonwealth for 60 years. Nevertheless, she was today for her dedication to the Armed Forces. The Duke of Edinburgh too, was also awarded for his service.

The Queen received three medals, one each from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Prince Philip received a Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct award for his 75 years of service and dedication to the military.

These long service and good conduct awards have been handed out to Armed Forces personnel to recognize their good conduct. The medals have been handed out as early as 1830 to personnel who have served for at least 15 years. Until last year and a government review by ministers, these medals weren’t distributed to officers. Now though, members within all ranks might receive a medal for their sacrifice and service.

Later in the day, the Queen was gifted with a bronze sculpture of a 900 year old oak tree that stands in Windsor Great Park. This was a gift from the Royal Academy of Art, which Her Majesty serves as patron. The Academy said of the sculpture that it: “symbolises both the longevity of the monarchy and the new pioneering digital technologies inspiring contemporary creativity”.

On Tuesday evening, the 90-year-old monarch alongside Prince Philip, are attending a reception of the Royal Academy. Whilst there they met recently knighted Sir Rod Stuart, David Walliams and Sir Lenny Henry. Sir Rod was knighted by the Duke of Cambridge today at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. While the Duke attended to his duties at the palace, his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge had a busy day of events in her first solo day of engagements in the Netherlands.