'Can't Be Bothered': Prince Harry Presents Veteran Combat Medic an Award From His and Meghan Markle's Montecito Backyard

Prince Harry traveled to his luxurious backyard in Montecito, Calif., to present Miltary Times' "Soldier of the Year Award" to veteran combat medic Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.

The fiery-haired rebel royals' decision to "phone in" this important honor was described by one palace insider as: "Distasteful. He can't be bothered to honor this veteran in person, and instead gives them a look at his and Meghan's riches and privilege."

In a "distinctive" ceremony, Harry presented the U.S. combat medic, distinguished by four gold medals at the Invictus Games and five Paralympic medals, hailing her as a "source of inspiration," and as his "friend." Sergeant Marks, 33, sustained bilateral hip injuries during her deployment in Iraq in 2010. Remarkably, she was deployed at the young age of 17.

The Duke of Sussex served two tours of duty in Afghanistan in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

"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," Harry stated in the clip. "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 further commended his friend for transforming "her pain into purpose," highlighting her ability to demonstrate to others that the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

"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," His Royal Highness continued.

The fifth in line to the throne concluded: "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 [the] sport, ensuring those who can’t see a way out or through are introduced to the medicine of sport that saved her too."

During the broadcast, Harry adorned himself with several medals steeped in personal and royal significance. His Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan received in 2008 for his service in Helmand Province, stood prominently. Adjacent to it was the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, awarded to him in 2002 after five years of active duty.

Adding to his distinguished array, and no doubt in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Harry proudly displayed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, bestowed upon members of various essential services, including the Armed Forces and emergency responders, which he received in 2012. Lastly, Harry proudly wore the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

In 2014, Harry inaugurated the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event akin to the Paralympics, specifically tailored for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans, marking a significant milestone in his humanitarian endeavors.

The New York Post reported on Harry's video award.