Why does a prince need a knighthood? Harry honoured by his grandmother

The Queen has officially dubbed the fifth-in-line to the throne a knight in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Prince Harry has now been bestowed with the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (Getty)

He’s formally known as His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, but the fifth-in-line to the throne is usually referred to simply as Prince Harry.

However he now has another title to add to his growing collection after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, officially dubbed him a knight in a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

And not just any knight, but a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour in the personal gift of the Queen which recognises service to her.

A royal source told The Daily Telegraph that Harry, 30, was “proud and pleased”, saying: “It is very significant for him personally.”

Her Majesty has previously showed her favour by making her grandson an Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington and the Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving.

In addition, he achieved the rank of Captain in the Blues and Royals during 10 years of service in the military, which he is due leave later this month.

The Queen also gave him a Coat of Arms for his 18th birthday and he has his own Royal Standard with a similar design to fly on official occasions.

The Press Association reported that the knighthood was “likely to reflect his role as a working member of the Royal Family”.

During his time in the Army, he saw action in Afghanistan twice, most recently in 2012, as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner.

He also launched the Invictus Games - a special sporting competition for people injured while serving in the armed forces. The inaugural event was held in London last year.

Sentebale, a charity he founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, is another campaign that is close to Harry's heart.

It seeks to help vulnerable children who are victims of poverty and the nation's HIV/Aids epidemic.