Prince Harry didn’t travel far to present Military Times’ prestigious “Soldier of the Year” award Thursday.
The Duke of Sussex stood in the backyard of his and Meghan Markle’s $14 million Montecito mansion as he honored his “friend” Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.
Harry awarded the US combat medic, a four-time Invictus Games gold medalist and five-time Paralympic medalist, in a “special presentation” of the award, calling her a “beacon of inspiration.”
Sgt. Marks, 33, suffered bilateral hip injuries while stationed out in Iraq in 2010. She was deployed at age 17.
In the congratulatory video, Harry wore a black blazer atop a crisp white shirt and red tie. He also proudly pinned four military medals to his chest.
“I first met Sgt. First Class Elizabeth Marks at the Invictus Games in Orlando 2016, where I presented her with not one, but four gold medals that she’d won in swimming,” the Duke said in a clip broadcast by Military Times.
“To me, she epitomizes the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community. And this is not just because of her swimming abilities.”
He praised his pal for turning “her pain into purpose,” adding that she showed “others that the impossible is indeed possible.”
The father of two continued, “Despite the injuries she endured during her deployment as a medical assistant in Iraq — along with numerous surgeries and setbacks that would have deterred many — she has persevered tirelessly, becoming the first woman in the Army’s world-class athlete program as well as the first swimmer the program had ever seen.
“She’s also taken her recovery a step further, using her experiences and achievements to inspire and assist others in their mental and physical journey into sport, ensuring those who can’t see a way out or through are introduced to the medicine of sport that saved her too.”
For the broadcast, Harry donned his Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, which he received in 2008 for his service in Helmand Province.
Next to it hung the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, which he received in 2002 after having been in active service for five years.
Harry also wore his Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, handed out to members of the emergency services, Armed Forces, prison service, and the royal household. He was awarded it in 2012.
Finally, the runaway royal’s fourth medal was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Harry launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as multi-sport Paralympic-styled games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans.
The royal was reportedly gearing up to jet off to his home soil in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
But according to insiders, Harry is now having second thoughts as he’s concerned over his safety after being stripped of taxpayer-funded security protection in the UK.
While Harry’s rumored trip is still unconfirmed, it’s believed that celebrations will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
It’s unclear if the trip will be yet another solo venture, following hot on the heels of his 24-hour dash in February.
