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Queen gives Wills new title after stripping Harry of his own

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Queen Elizabeth II watch a flypast of Spitfire & Hurricane aircraft from the balcony of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain on July 10, 2015 in London, England.
Queen Elizabeth has given Prince William (pictured in 2015) a new title days after stripping Prine Harry of his HRH status. Photo: Getty Images.

Just days after she stripped grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle of their ‘Royal Highness’ titles, the Queen has bestowed a brand new one upon Harry’s older brother, Prince William.

The future king has been appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2020, it was revealed on Sunday.

The 37-year-old royal was chosen by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to act as her representative at the General Assembly in May where he’ll make opening and closing addresses.

“The Queen has appointed Prince William as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the @churchscotland this year,” Kensington Palace announced on Twitter.

Royal fans appear to be thrilled with Wills’ new role and have tweeted their praise for Her Majesty’s decision.

“Bravo Prince William...Bravo your majesty!!!!!,” wrote one.

“Prince William is the perfect representative for HM.,” wrote another.

Wills’ younger brother Harry, 35, and Duchess Meghan, 38, were formally stripped of their HRH titles last week following their shock decision to step back as senior royals and decamp to Canada with their young son Archie.

As they begin their ‘financially independent’ life abroad, the couple will still able to use their ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ styling, however, which appears to be a key feature of their newly-trademarked ‘Sussex Royal’ branding.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 07, 2020 in London, England.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped back at senior royals to live in Canada with Archie. Photo: Getty Images.

What does the Lord High Commissioner do?

The Lord High Commissioner's role is to maintain the relationship between the State and the Church, and the Queen appoints a new Commissioner each year, on the advice of the prime minister.

Members of the royal family who have served in the past include the Queen's children Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

The Lord High Commissioner makes opening and closing addresses to the General Assembly and reports to the Queen on its proceedings.

As with previous Lord High Commissioners, Will will be permitted to stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the duration of the week-long event and receive a Guard of Honour, a 21-Gun Salute and the keys to the City of Edinburgh, according to Royal.uk.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on February 10, 2019 in London, England.
Will and Kate stepped out at the 2019 BAFTAS in London, England. Photo: Getty Images.

Cambridge’s BAFTAs night out

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton’s calendars are quickly filling up, with another engagement announced this week.

The pair will don their red carpet best to attend the glitzy British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards - or BAFTAs - on February 2.

The Cambridges are regulars at the prestigious awards ceremony but this year is particularly special for Wills who’ll be celebrating a decade as BAFTAs president.

Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine are regulars at the prestigious awards ceremony and this time they will celebrate William's 10th year as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

The couple’s official Twitter account, @KensingtonRoyal, confirmed their upcoming date night on Friday which will be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Additional reporting by BANG Showbiz.

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