William's path to the throne

Prince William has stood in for his grandmother at an investiture for the first time.  The Duke of Cambridge presented hundreds of people from around the UK with the honours awarded by the Queen.  It's a rite of passage that marks another step on the road to kingship for William. 

 

 

The Duke of Cambridge presents the MBE to Dr Susan Wilson from Guernsey at his first investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace

 

Perhaps the most nerve wracking moment came when he dubbed his first knight but the prince had been practicing and there were no nicked ears or awkward stumbles.  And the most photographed moment arrived with Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray.  The tennis star had been awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours list after his victory at the US Open and at the Olympics. 

 

 

 Andy Murray OBE with the Duke of Cambridge

 

Today, he gave out honours on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.  One day, those same honours will be issued in his name and he will look on as he encourages that little baby at home in Kensington Palace to increase his royal duties and do an investiture.  We've a long way to go until Prince George is learning the ropes from his parents but William took another important step towards kingship today.