Kate Middleton took one step closer into the inner royal circle Monday, when she watched proudly as her boyfriend, Prince William, celebrated a distinguished honor from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II: being installed as a knight.

For William, the ceremony served as an early 26th birthday gift (his actual birthday is June 21). But for his girlfriend of about six years, it was another first to be included in so grand an occasion.

While Middleton had attended William’s graduation from army academy Sandhurst and his ceremonial finish of Royal Air Force training, she has not been at an event of such royal importance led by the Queen.

William’s new title – he was made the 1,000th member of the ancient Order of the Garter – signifies his joining the oldest order of chivalry in the world.

Middleton’s arrival in a royal car with William’s brother, Prince Harry, and the princes’ personal secretary, Helen Asprey, was accompanied by the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean played by a military band.

Army officer Harry “was acting like he was on guard duty,” standing between Middleton and the cameras, an observer says. The trio then stood in the shadows of Galilee porch on the side of St. George’s chapel, where the service took place.

Also in the throng was the princes’ stepmother Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and other female members of the family.

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