Prince William Hands Out Awards to Vanessa Redgrave and Kate Middleton's Longtime Bodyguard

Prince William is back on investiture duty.

Just one day after Princess Anne hosted the first investiture ceremony since Queen Elizabeth's death on Sept. 8 at Buckingham Palace, William hosted the prize giving for the first time since becoming the Prince of Wales on Thursday.

During investiture ceremonies, a centuries-old tradition, members of the royal family present medals to those who have been awarded honors.

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Thursday's event saw Vanessa Redgrave become a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the female equivalent of a knight. The Oscar winner joins the likes of fellow legendary actresses Angela Lansbury, Judi Dench and Helen Mirren in receiving the honor.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo Prince William and Vanessa Redgrave

"You don't compare going for an investiture at Buckingham Palace with any other achievement, whatever it is. It is unique," Redgrave told the PA news agency of the award.

She was also excited to hear that Prince William would be the one to present her with the honor.

"I was thrilled when I heard that the Prince of Wales was doing the investitures today," she said. "He gave me my British Academy Fellowship in Covent Garden Opera House in 2010."

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo Prince William and Vanessa Redgrave

Prince William, 40, also handed out an award to his wife Kate Middleton's special protection officer, Emma Probert. Probert, who has served the new Princess of Wales since 2010 and is often seen by her side during royal engagements, was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

She approached Prince William with a big smile as she curtsied before the two seemed to have a casual exchange.

Probert even accompanied Kate in the car on the way to Westminster Abbey on her wedding day in 2011. In fact, for the investiture ceremony, the protection officer appeared to be sporting the same dress that she did for the royal wedding 11 years ago! (Kate would certainly approve — the Princess of Wales is also known for recycling her favorite pieces of clothing, sometimes going years between wears.)

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo Prince William and Emma Probert

Over the coming months, members of the royal family will continue to present awards to those recognized in the late Queen's Birthday and New Year's Honors Lists.

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The investiture ceremony was the first of the day for Prince William. He and Kate also stepped out on Thursday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their sporting initiative Coach Core at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Emma Probert and Kate Middleton

The royal couple tried out some of the sporting sessions offered by the charity, with Prince William taking some punches to a heavy bag while wearing boxing gloves. He also kicked a soccer ball at a target. Meanwhile, Kate played some seated bocce ball.