My father had five medals. He was called up to the Army and served throughout the war but was not involved in front line service. They are “theatre” medals, awarded automatically as recognition of service to anyone who served in a particularly theatre of war, i.e. Italy, Africa, etc. The same applies in today’s armed forces. My DH acquired three during his Army service, as did my DS who was in the RAF. I would take exception to anyone saying they didn’t deserve them just because they weren’t front line personnel, as, I fancy, would most veterans and those still serving. “They also serve”, etc......... as for Prince Charles, I believe he commanded a vessel of some sort during the Icelandic Cod Wars, so he deserves at least one for getting cold and wet I should imagine!