The Queen has given her grandson, Prince Harry, a knighthood just weeks before he leaves the army. Buckingham Palaces announced that Harry – real name Henry Charles Albert David – had become a Sir in a statement.
“The Queen has been pleased to make the following appointment to the Royal Victorian Order: to be a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, HRH Prince Henry of Wales,” the palace statement read.
The 30-year-old was presented with the honour in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where no photographs were released.
The Palace did however tweet a snap of the insignia that the Queen presented her grandson.
Harry joins his older brother Prince William in the ranks of royal knights. George and Charlotte’s father is a Knight of the Garter, while Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Duchess Camilla, like Harry, are all members of the Royal Victorian Order.
It is the Queen’s choice who she awards The Royal Victorian Order. The honour is for those who’ve served her or the British monarchy, with recipients including family members, officials of the royal household or national ambassadors who’ve helped organise a state visit to a particular country.
Later this month, Prince Harry is set to leave the army after 10 years of service, including two tours in Afghanistan.
The fifth-in-line-to-the-throne plans to spend time working with animal conservation groups in Africa.
Now we can officially call upon our knight in shining armor, Prince Harry!