First Victoria Cross Investiture
- When
- 26 June 1857
- Where
- Hyde Park
Queen Victoria personally decorated 62 men in Hyde Park, London, for valour during the Crimean War, establishing the tradition of monarch-led presentations.
On 26 June 1857, Queen Victoria held the first investiture ceremony in Hyde Park, London. She personally presented the Victoria Cross to 62 men who had been awarded for actions during the Crimean War. The ceremony was attended by Prince Albert and other Royal Family members, including Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia. This event marked the first time the medal was presented by the monarch, setting a precedent for future investitures.
Sources
- Victoria Cross Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-14
- Hyde Park, London Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-09
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