Jun 17, 2008, 11:00 GMT
Britain's Prince William was yesterday (16.06.08) made a Royal Knight of the Garter.
Britain's Prince William pays a visit to the Under 18s Water Polo Championship at Walsall Gala Baths in Walsall, West Midlands, Britain, 10 May 2008. EPA/STR
The prince received the honour at a ceremony at Windsor Castle watched by the majority of the senior royal family and girlfriend Kate Middleton.
Kate and William's brother, Prince Harry, laughed as William walked past in the Garter Order's traditional outfit of blue velvet cloak and a hat decorated with ostrich feathers.
William was officially invested in the order yesterday morning in a private ceremony at the castle Throne Room, accompanied by his father, Prince Charles, and grandfather, Prince Philip.
The prince had a blue and gold embroidered garter buckled onto his leg by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, during the ceremony before taking an oath of allegiance.
William then joined his fellow knights for lunch before attending a religious service of installation for new members at an elaborate luncheon in the castle's Waterloo Chamber before making his way to the chapel for the religious service of installation for new members.
More than 7000 members of the public - who were specially invited - witnessed the ceremony.
The queen's children, Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward and Princess Anne are among the royal members of the order, while former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major are also members
The order - which is awarded for outstanding public service and achievement - has a maximum of 24 non-royal members, who are personally chosen by the sovereign, themselves a member.
Your Talkback on this Story