Prince Williamis back on investiture duty.
Just one day afterPrincess Annehosted thefirst investiture ceremonysinceQueen Elizabeth’s death on Sept. 8 at Buckingham Palace, William hosted the prize giving for the first time since becoming the Prince of Wales on Thursday.
During investiture ceremonies, a centuries-old tradition, members of the royal family present medals to those who have been awarded honors.
Thursday’s event saw Vanessa Redgrave become a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the female equivalent of a knight. The Oscar winner joins the likes of fellow legendary actressesAngela Lansbury, Judi Dench and Helen Mirren in receiving the honor.
Prince William and Vanessa Redgrave.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
“You don’t compare going for an investiture at Buckingham Palace with any other achievement, whatever it is. It is unique,” Redgravetold the PA news agencyof the award.
She was also excited to hear thatPrince Williamwould be the one to present her with the honor.
“I was thrilled when I heard that the Prince of Wales was doing the investitures today,” she said. “He gave me my British Academy Fellowship in Covent Garden Opera House in 2010.”
She approachedPrince Williamwith a big smile as she curtsied before the two seemed to have a casual exchange.
Probert even accompanied Kate in the car on the way to Westminster Abbey on her wedding day in 2011. In fact, for the investiture ceremony, the protection officer appeared to be sporting the same dress that she did for the royal wedding 11 years ago! (Kate would certainly approve — the Princess of Wales is also known forrecycling her favorite pieces of clothing, sometimes going years between wears.)
Prince William and Emma Probert.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Over the coming months, members of the royal family will continue to present awards to those recognized in the late Queen’s Birthday and New Year’s Honors Lists.
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The investiture ceremony was the first of the day forPrince William. He and Kate alsostepped out on Thursdayto celebrate the 10th anniversary of their sporting initiative Coach Core at London’sQueen ElizabethOlympic Park.
source: people.com
