Clean-cut Prince Harry dons his medals for video from the back door of his ... trends now

Prince Harry has donned his medals for a video from the back door of his Montecito mansion to present a Soldier of the Year award to US combat medic.

In a 'special presentation' of the award, the Duke of Sussex paid tribute to his 'friend' Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks - who he described as a 'beacon of inspiration' in a gushing speech from his California home.

The four-time Invictus Games gold medalist and five-time Paralympic medalist, 33, suffered bilateral hip injuries while deployed in Iraq in 2010, after joining up aged just 17.

Looking clean-cut in the warm American sunlight, Harry, 39, wore a black jacket and red tie for the video link alongside his medals.

It comes as Meghan Markle, 42, is gifting her new limited edition jam to her celebrity friends as she continues to soft launch her lifestyle brand - most recently giving one to Kardashian momager and reality TV star Kris Jenner.

Speaking on video, he told the crowd: 'I first met Sergeant 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.

'To me, she epitomises the courage, resiliance and determination represented across our service community. And this is not just because of her swimming abilities.

'Ellie has courageously overcome every obstacle to cross her path. She has turned her pain into purpose and led through compassion and willpower, showing others that the impossible is indeed possible.

'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.'

Pinned to his chest during the ceremony, Harry proudly wore his Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, which he earned in 2008 for his service in Helmand Province.

He also showed off his Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, which was awarded in 2002 to everyone who had been in active service for five years, and his Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, which was given to members of the emergency services, Armed Forces, prison service, and the royal household in 2012.

Finally, he wore his Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal - despite having given up his honorary military titles in 2020.

Prince Harry first met SFC Marks at the Invictus Games tournament in Orlando in 2016, and said he is now 'honoured' to call her his friend.

Since 2014, with the Prince's backing the Invictus Games have become a popular global sports competition which 22 countries and more than 500 athletes have been involved with. 

The award ceremony was hosted by the Military Times - an independent news website who honour one outstanding military member for each branch of service, based on service that goes beyond the call of duty.

Thanking SFC Marks for her service, he continued: 'Ellie - you embody the Invictus spirit through your selfless service. You know that sport doesn't just save lives, it transforms them for the better.

'And in finding your own cure, you've helped countless brothers and sisters in staying alive.

'Your unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering hope and setting a powerful example for others to follow.

'I am honoured to call you my friend and can't thank you enough for being you - and for Mason, your husband, for being so supportive of you.

'To all the service members in the room tonight, past and present, know that your community and indeed the international community is grateful.

'Grateful for all the sacrifices you and your family have made, grateful for your service to your country, grateful for continuing the important values we learnt.

'Tonight, it's for you. Thank you for all that you've done.'

Prince Harry has not worn a uniform since he and Meghan moved away from the UK in 2020 and he was stripped off his military titles.

Speaking as she accepted her award SFC Marks said the 'people in her corner' had 'made her cry' during the event.

She has also recieved the ESPY Pat Tillman Award recipient in 2016 and was inducted into the Army Woman’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

A 10-time world record holder and 15-time American record holder, she has also been celebrated as the first Paralympic female in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program as well as the most decorated athlete in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program’s history.

In an eloquent and heart-rending speech, she choked back tears as she spoke of the need for 'real actions' to protect against suicide within the armed forces.

She said: 'I wanna say thank you to the people that failed me. I wanna say thank you to the individuals in leadership positions who showed me what not to become. Without you I wouldn't have the perspective and empathy to see service members as they deserve.

'Too often we treat those who ask for help as villains. We forget our promises made, and because of those things suicide is the leading cause of death

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