Prince William gets new honor from the queen

(CBS News) Prince William is getting a special birthday gift from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The monarch has made the Duke of Cambridge a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the palace announced Tuesday.

Pictures: Prince William
Pictures: William and Kate

The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest honor. Appointments are a personal gift from the queen, and are made without the advice of the prime minister like some other honors.

A St James's Palace spokesman said William, who has the Scottish title the Earl of Strathearn, was "very honored" to be made a Royal Knight of the Thistle, according to the U.K.'s Press Association.

He added, "It's his 30th birthday this year and also the Diamond Jubilee and the Queen felt it was an appropriate time to bestow the honor."

William will be formally installed as a Royal Knight of the Thistle in July, during the queen's official week-long residence in Scotland at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, according to reports.

Other Royal Knights of the Thistle include the queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.