The Royal Mint rejected plans to produce commemorative coins celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren after deciding some of them did not have “an entirely positive public profile”, documents obtained through freedom of information laws have revealed.
The decision was made by the Royal Mint’s Advisory Committee on the Design of Coins, Medals, Seals and Decorations at a meeting in March 2012.
The proposal would have honoured all eight of the Queen’s grandchildren, including Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princesses Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
Committee members expressed concerns that the series could be seen as contrived and potentially open to ridicule.
The Royal Mint rejected plans to produce commemorative coins celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren after deciding some of them did not have “an entirely positive public profile”, documents obtained through freedom of information laws have revealed
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Prince Harry’s controversies likely influenced the decision, including his 2002 admission of cannabis use and underage drinking, which led to a rehab clinic visit.
The prince also faced criticism in 2005 after wearing a German Second World War uniform to a costume party, an incident that made headlines worldwide.
By 2012, when the committee made its decision, Prince Harry had also been photographed naked at a Las Vegas pool party.
Peter Phillips, the Queen’s eldest grandchild, had also attracted negative publicity.
He was criticised for selling exclusive rights to his wedding photos to Hello magazine for a reported £500,000 in 2008.
The committee minutes noted concerns that the coin series could be seen as inappropriate, as the grandchildren were “not associated with an interest in art and design”.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie suggested the committee’s concerns primarily focused on Prince Harry, who had developed a reputation as a “hell-raiser” by 2012.
Lownie said: “Prince Harry was certainly having a bad press at the time.”
Prince Harry’s controversies likely influenced the decision
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He added: “Having said that, I think producing a coin to commemorate the grandchildren of the Queen is ridiculous.
“This should all be about the monarchy. I don’t think people would have rushed out and bought the coins.”
It remains unclear whether the proposal originated from the Royal Mint or a third party.
Despite rejecting the grandchildren series, the Royal Mint later produced commemorative coins for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018 and Prince William’s 40th birthday in 2022.
