A new report has revealed that Prince Harry’s controversial past antics cost Prince William and their royal cousins the chance to be honored with commemorative coins in 2012. The Royal Mint had reportedly planned to release coins celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s eight grandchildren, including Princes William and Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, Peter Phillips, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Earl of Wessex.
However, the proposal was ultimately scrapped due to concerns about the public image of some royal family members, The Express reported. Documents obtained through freedom of information laws by the Sunday Mail revealed that the Royal Mint’s advisory committee decided against the project, fearing it could attract negative attention and online trolling.
According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, Prince Harry’s troubled public image at the time played a key role in the decision. “Prince Harry was certainly having a bad press at the time,” Lownie explained, citing several high-profile incidents that tarnished the Duke of Sussex’s reputation.
Among these controversies were Harry’s decision to wear a German Second World War uniform to a costume party, which drew widespread condemnation, and a leaked photograph of him nude at a Las Vegas party in 2012.
The timing of these scandals made the committee wary of potential backlash. “The committee felt that producing a coin to commemorate the grandchildren of the [late] Queen would invite criticism,” the report stated.
Lownie also questioned the validity of the original proposal, calling it unnecessary. “Having said that, I think producing a coin to commemorate the grandchildren of the [late] Queen is ridiculous. This should all be about the monarchy. I don’t think people would have rushed out and bought the coins,” he added.
The report highlights the delicate balance the Royal Mint must strike when commemorating members of the royal family. While the idea of honoring all of Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren may have seemed appealing, the potential for controversy ultimately led to the proposal’s rejection.
This revelation adds to the ongoing discussions surrounding Prince Harry’s role within the royal family and the impact of his actions on the institution. While his image has since evolved, with a focus on philanthropic work and mental health advocacy, the legacy of his earlier controversies continues to influence how he is perceived both within the family and by the public.
The decision to cancel the commemorative coins serves as another reminder of the scrutiny faced by the royal family, even in projects designed to celebrate its legacy.