News
Prince William is appointed to the Order of the Garter
16th June 2008
Prince William was officially installed as the 1000th Royal Knight of the Garter today.
He was formally appointed for the most senior British order of chivalry at a ceremony in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Order of the Garter is in the Queen's personal gift without advice from Government ministers.
In addition to the Royal Knights there are 14 Knight Companions.
Wearing the Order's full regalia, an ostrich plumed hat and velvet robes, Prince William stood next to his father, The Prince of Wales, as the Knights made the traditional procession down the Castle Hill for the annual church service.
Prince William walked into the chapel with his father and chatted to his uncles, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex.
At the end of the 45-minute service members of the Royal Family left through the West Door and Prince William departed in a carriage with The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duke of York.
During today's service The Queen formally installed William as a Royal Knight.
At an investiture in the Throne Room at Windsor Castle earlier today The Queen officially presented Prince William with the regalia including a blue garter, sash, robe or mantle and star.
Prince William was accompanied by two supporters, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales who assisted during the investiture.
Prince William is now a Royal Knight Companion and the 1000th Knight in the Register. The position recognised his position within the Royal Family as second in line to The British Throne.
The Prince of Wales received the honour in 1958, The Princess Royal in 1994 and The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex in 2006. The Duke of Edinburgh was created a Royal Knight in 1947, the year of his marriage to The Queen.
Two Knights Companion were also created today, filling the positions left by the death of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath and the conqueror of Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary.
Lord Luce, who was Lord Chamberlain from 2000 to 2006 and Sir Thomas Dunne, Lord Lieutenant of Hereford since 1977 and chairman of the Lord Lieutenants Association have been appointed to take their places.
Other non-royal members of the order include former Prime Ministers Baroness Thatcher, who did not take part in today's procession but was at the service and Sir John Major.
Around 7,000 people lined the route today to watch The Queen take part in the historic occasion.