The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, founded by King Edward III in 1348. It is awarded at the sovereign’s discretion, typically for public service, military achievements, or contributions to national life.
Prince William’s appointment in 2008 reflected both his position as second in line to the throne at the time and his growing role within the Royal Family. By appointment of the late Queen Elizabeth II, William was made a Royal Knight Companion of the Garter and the 1,000th Knight since the order was created.
Membership is strictly limited and includes a mix of senior royals and notable public figures, while the Prince of Wales holds this revered title, his younger brother, Prince Harry, has not and it is likely never will, since he quit royal duties in 2020.
Wearing the dark blue velvet mantles, the insignia of the order, and the distinctive feathered bonnet, Prince William joined the ranks of the monarchy’s most senior and honoured members. It was also a public sign of his grandmother’s trust and belief in his future as a monarch-in-waiting.
While Prince William is a member, it is highly unlikely that Prince Harry will ever be inducted after he stepped back from his official role in 2020.
Despite this, Harry was recognised for his services to the monarch in 2015, when he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2015, in recognition of his personal service to the monarch, particularly through his military career and royal engagements.
Despite stepping down as a working royal and losing several honourary miltiary titles, Prince Harry has retained the designation, and wore the medal when he arrived at the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service at St Paul’s Cathedral in May 2024.
On the day of the event, appearing in a sharp black suit, the King’s youngest son wore the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) medal around his neck with a further four pinned onto his blazer.
These included the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, which he was awarded in 2008 after his service in Helmand Province, his Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
