Prince William hosts first palace awards ceremony

Prince William today hosted his first investiture, the official ceremony held at Buckingham Palace to award royal honours in Britain.
The second in line to the country's throne was representing Queen Elizabeth II as he presented awards to recognise achievements in a wide range of fields to recipients from across the UK.
Among those honoured at the ceremony included Britain's Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who tweeted his fears of running late to receive his Order of the British Empire (OBE) as he was held up by a "random drugs test".
Around 25 such investiture ceremonies are held every year, either in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh or at Windsor Castle.

The majority are hosted by the Queen but some investitures are carried out by her son Prince Charles or daughter Princess Royal on her behalf.
Prince William already carries out engagements connected to his charitable interests and those of the Royal Foundation he is joint patron of with wife Kate and brother Prince Harry.

Following the end of a military career that has occupied the prince since January 2006, the full shape of his public duties is yet to be decided but he is expected to take on a more active role in royal duties as his 87-year-old grandmother cuts back on certain engagements.

The next year has been described as "transitional" by palace officials as William prepares to become a full-time royal in his role as the Duke of Cambridge.
He has already expressed plans to expand his conservation work, particularly on the protection of endangered species, through his Royal Foundation.