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Queen Elizabeth knights grandson Prince Harry

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Prince Harry received a surprise knighthood from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday.

Yeah, so he’s a prince and a knight. Some guys have all the luck...

The 30-year-old royal, fifth in line to the British throne, was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) on Thursday, Kensington Palace said.

The ceremony took place privately and Harry was given the KCVO insignia by the queen “for services to the Sovereign,” the palace said.

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Queen Victoria founded the royal order in 1896 to reward those who have served her personally. The title is given as a gift of the monarch’s own initiative rather than ministerial recommendation.

The appointment comes just as the prince prepares to leave the army in June. Harry has served in the Royal Army since 2005 and completed two tours in Afghanistan.

When asked about his legacy, the prince said in a May Sky News interview that he never wanted the tag of “party prince” and is looking to make great contributions alongside his brother, Prince William, and through their charity foundations.

Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.

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