Prince William took the Queen's place at an investiture ceremony on Tuesday after Her Majesty suffered 'mild discomfort' with her ankle.Buckingham Palace was quick to confirm that she was not unwell and would undertake a 'busy programme of engagements' the following day.The Duke of Cambridge made theatre director Michael Attenborough, actress Claire Bloom and politician Menzies Campbell CBEs and honoured actor Sir Tony Robinson with a knighthood.
William looked particularly dapper for the ceremony in his RAF uniform. Having put in some practice at his first ceremony on 17 October, the new father expertly wielded the ceremonial sword and pinned awards on the recipients.It is the second investiture ceremony that the Duke has hosted. His first saw him honour tennis star Andy Murray with an OBE.With a warm smile, the amiable royal performed his official duties with aplomb, all the while bringing his trademark good humour to proceedings.When he left the RAF in September William announced that he would "continue to support the work of The Queen and the Royal Family through a programme of official engagements, both at home and overseas, with The Duchess of Cambridge," and over the next 12 months would "work closely with the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry."
The second in line to the throne is "currently considering a number of options for public service, a further announcement on which will follow in due course," the statement said.Outside of Buckingham Palace, William recently represented the Queen on a state visit. He joined the leader of South Korea, President Park Geun-hye, in unveiling a war memorial at Victoria Embankment Gardens in London.It was the first time that William acted on behalf of the 87-year-old reigning monarch during a state visit.