Prince William Holds His First Investiture Ceremony of 2026 at Windsor Castle
Prince William.
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princeandprincessofwales/Instagram
NEED TO KNOW
- Prince William hosted his first investiture ceremony of 2026 on January 14
- The Prince of Wales handed out awards to individuals recognized in King Charles’ New Year Honours list, released last month
- Among the honorees was retired English soccer star Millie Bright, known for her time with the Lionesses, a team that William and his daughter Princess Charlotte have frequently supported
Prince William resumed his role in hosting investiture ceremonies, marking his first of 2026 on January 14 at Windsor Castle.
The 43-year-old Prince of Wales presented awards to recipients listed in King Charles’ New Year Honours list. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle, located near the residence where William lives with Kate Middleton and their three children.
The official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales shared highlights from the event, stating, “A new year of investitures is underway! Congratulations to everyone receiving awards today.”
This year’s honorees included Frank Rothwell, a businessman and owner of Oldham Athletic soccer team, and Dame Clare Barclay, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft U.K.
However, it was the honor presented to retired soccer player Millie Bright that William most likely found particularly special. Bright played for Chelsea and represented England’s women’s national team, the Lionesses.
William is a prominent supporter of English soccer and, in recent years, he and Princess Charlotte have been enthusiastic fans of the Lionesses, who were runners-up in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
During the finals of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland last July, William and Charlotte cheered for the Lionesses—marking Charlotte’s first game abroad. Their presence seemed to bring good luck, as the Lionesses triumphed over Spain in a penalty shootout to claim the championship.
Prince William and Princess Charlotte at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final on July 27, 2025.
Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty
Following her role as team captain in 2023, Bright announced her retirement from professional soccer shortly after the 2025 tournament.
Reflecting on her career, Bright expressed the pride she felt representing England: “The reality of the last decade wearing the Three Lions has surpassed even my wildest dreams. It’s been beyond special for me, and I wish it could last forever.
“For me personally, it’s a decision I have taken to ensure I can commit fully to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me,” she added. “I always want to leave an environment and team in a better place than I found it, so what better time to step aside and let the next generation of Lionesses come through. I know they will go on to achieve even greater things in the years to come, and I’ll be their biggest fan.”
Honors in the U.K. and British Overseas Territories acknowledge citizens for their achievements and contributions through a twice-yearly publication by the Cabinet Office. Approximately 30 investiture ceremonies occur each year, with awards presented by royal family members. Currently, these responsibilities are shared between King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince William.
While King Charles has yet to host an investiture ceremony this year due to a winter break in Scotland, Princess Anne conducted the first ceremony of 2026 on January 13, recognizing figures such as Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, broadcaster Jackie Bird, journalist Martha Kearney, and National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris.
Princess Anne has previously expressed concerns about William’s limited involvement in investitures, citing his proximity to Windsor Castle. In a profile last July, a source indicated her desire to see him engage more in these traditional royal duties.
“She’s still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her,” the source noted.
