William & Kate toast as the coronation’s 400,000-strong staff set to get a King’s ‘thank you’ gong
WILLIAM and Kate toasted the Coronation in a pub yesterday — as it emerged 400,000 hard-working heroes will get a King’s “thank you” medal.
The Sun can reveal everyone grafting for the nation will get the Coronation gong.
The Prince and Princess of Wales sank ales and chatted to wellwishers at The Dog and Duck in Soho, London, during a surprise lunchtime visit — with William taking a turn as a barman.
Those getting the new medal include workers with all three emergency services.
It will be issued to prison officers, members of the Royal Household, living recipients of the George and Victoria Crosses, emergency workers, armed forces personnel, choristers and St John’s Ambulance staff.
They will must have been employed for five years or more.
But everyone working on the Coronation — including the tens of thousands of military on parade, volunteers and police — will also get the medal irrespective of length of service.
It comes after months of wrangling over the cost and eligibility requirements.
The 400,000 recipients easily tops the 129,051 who got one for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
The new gong’s design features a portrait of the King and Queen on the front.
A version of the Royal Cypher, a laurel wreath and the Coronation date, May 6 2023, is on the reverse.
The ribbon comprises red, blue and white stripes.
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden said: “The Coronation would not be possible without the dedication and selfless service shown by our armed forces and other public servants.
“This medal is a fitting recognition of their efforts, and a thank you from the nation. It will be worn with pride for years to come.”