Prince William holds a major honour that Prince Harry is unlikely ever to receive: being a Knight of the Garter. The Prince of Wales was appointed to the Order of the Garter in 2008 by Queen Elizabeth II, a reflection of his position as second in line to the throne and his growing role within the Royal Family. William also made history as the 1,000th Knight since the order's creation and became a Royal Knight Companion of the Garter.
Membership in the Order is strictly limited, including senior royals and notable public figures such as former prime ministers. While the Prince of Wales holds the honour, the Duke of Sussex is unlikely to follow suit after stepping back as a working royal in 2020.
Prince Harry's Previous Honours
Although new royal honours for Harry are unexpected, he was recognised in 2015 when Queen Elizabeth II appointed him a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) for his personal service to the monarch, particularly through his military career and royal engagements. Despite stepping down as a working royal and losing several honorary military titles, Harry has retained the RVO honour and wore the medal at official events in the UK, such as King Charles's coronation.
The Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is the oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom and the most senior knighthood in the British honours system, outranked only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. Established by King Edward III on St George's Day (April 23) in 1348, it has continued for 678 years. Knights and Ladies of the Garter wear ceremonial robes and Tudor bonnets with ostrich feather plumes, attending a service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle before processing around the grounds.
Membership Rules
Strict rules govern induction into the Order, limiting membership to the monarch, the Prince of Wales, and a maximum of 24 living members. Notable non-royal members include Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baroness Amos, Tony Blair, and former Bank of England Governor Baron King of Lothbury. The most recent royal additions were Queen Camilla in 2022 and the Duchess of Gloucester in 2024.
