'Andrew earned his Falklands medal': the people of Leeds back the former Duke of York to keep his war honour

That’s the general consensus of the people of Leeds who have been reacting to King Charles allowing his brother to retain his campaign medal, despite the former royal losing his remaining military titles.

The decision follows reports of growing anger among veterans, who argued it would be unfair to strip Andrew of a medal he earned through active service during the 1982 conflict.

Andrew served as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in the war and was awarded the South Atlantic Medal for his contribution.

The move comes after a turbulent week for the 65-year-old who has lost all remaining royal and military honours amid renewed scrutiny of his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

This week the people of Leeds have been reacting to the decision on Facebook, with the vast majority in favour of Andrew retaining his Falklands war medal.

Stuart Place said: “If you’re old enough to have lived through the Falklands campaign, you would know he earned that medal.”

Rose Jackson added: “He earned those medals. He put his life on the line which is more than most who get handed knighthoods and other gongs.”

Gary Staines endorsed those comments: “Only a person who has never been deployed on operations would suggest they are removed.”

Gareth Jervis added: “I’m not a fan of the man but he flew helicopter rescue missions in combat and earned his medal, unlike the other honours that were bestowed or inherited.”

Andy Bodkin said that whatever he has or has not done is irrelevant with regards to the Falklands war medal as he ‘fought for Queen and country, putting his life in danger’.

Those comments were echoed by Hilary Hallas: “He earned them and should definitely be allowed to keep them. It’s outrageous that anyone would suggest otherwise.”

Bill Olsen added: “No matter what else he has done, nor how entitled he feels he is, he did put his life, very literally and very courageously, on the line for his country. He earned that medal. It’s his. Nobody should be able to take it from him.”

And David Screen said: “I doubt he is the only veteran that has fallen short of the law. So far he isn't guilty of anything legally. I personally do not like him for how he has conducted himself about the issues. But he fought, he gets the medal.”