The Prince of Wales made history when he was given key role.

The Prince Of Wales Visits Rio De Janeiro - Day Two
Prince William was given the vital role in 2008 (Image: Getty)

As heir to the throne, Prince William holds a number of titles and honours that are exclusive to him, for example, being the Prince of Wales and the head of the Duchy of Cornwall. However, there is another major honour he has held since 2008, which Prince Harry is unlikely to ever receive since stepping back from his senior royal role.

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.

Britain's Prince William walks in the pr

Prince William became a Knight of the Garter in 2008 (Image: Getty)

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, such as former Prime Ministers, while the Prince of Wales holds this 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 ostrich-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, given that he stepped back from his official role in 2020.

Prince Harry departs Royal Courts of Justice
Prince Harry has not been inducted as a Knight of the Garter (Image: Getty)

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.

One major change to the Order of the Garter came last year, when King Charles moved to strip his disgraced younger brother of his role as a Garter Knight, as well as his other titles and remaining honours. He had previously continued to attend the service after his BBC Newsnight interview, but was only present for the private elements of the service inside St George’s Chapel.

He would not join his relatives and other Knights or Ladies of the Garter for the procession around the grounds of Windsor Castle.