Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Polar Medal has left the UK

According to the Sun on Sunday, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1.8 million Polar Medal has discreetly left the UK after the government was unable to find a British bidder.

During the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, he became one of the most well-known explorers of all time.

The Anglo-Irish explorer visited the South Pole three times. Those who have distinguished themselves in the field of arctic research are awarded the arctic Medal.

The silver badge, which Rishi Sunak’s government claimed was the last of his awards left in the UK, had an export bar on it. However, it expired in the summer when no British bidder was found.

In July, it was given to the Canterbury Museum in New Zealand after being privately sold to a trust.

Until 2029, when it is put on public display, it is in storage.

“The Reviewing Committee always hopes that items deemed nationally significant find homes in UK museums and galleries,” stated Andrew Hochhauser KC, Chairman of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

Unfortunately, during the export prohibition time, this was not feasible for Sir Ernest’s Polar Medal, thus the overseas sale had to go on.

The Committee is committed to carrying on the vital task of preserving UK national treasures and making them available for public enjoyment.

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!