Prince William to become the Garter Knights 1,000th member

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince William is to be made a member of the Garter Knights this June. Said a spokesperson for the Queen, "The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales to be a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter."

The Most Noble Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and has had an air of exclusivity ever since! Unlike other British honours systems the Queen has complete control over who she makes a Garter Knight or Dame and there can be no more then 24 non-royal members at any time. Current members of the Order include members of the Royal Family and former Prime Ministers. Every person who has ever been a Garter Knight also has the honor of having his or her coat of arms displayed in Windsor Castle's chapel.

Prince William will become the Order's 1,000th member in a private ceremony this June after which he and the other Knights will process in full Garter regalia (blue velvet robes displaying the Garter's emblem and black velvet hat with a white ostridge plume) on foot to Windsor's Chapel. A yearly event which always brings an appreciative crowd of tourists and locals alike.

A Clarence House spokesman said Prince William was "delighted and honoured" to learn of the Queen's decision. And should anyone else be less pleased with his appointment William can always reply with the Garter's motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense"--shame on him who thinks this evil.