Honours venue moved from palace

Sir Michael Parkinson was knighted in June

The Queen is to hold investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle for the first time, Buckingham Palace has said.

The ceremony, where honours ranging from knighthoods and OBEs to gallantry medals are awarded, will be held in the Berkshire royal residence in November.

A spokeswoman said the move would free up resources at Buckingham Palace where a celebration to mark the Prince of Wales' 60th birthday will be held.

A second ceremony will take place at Windsor in December.

The autumn season's first investiture will be held next Friday at Buckingham Palace.

Every year, about 2,600 people receive honours personally from the Queen or another member of the Royal Family - often the Prince of Wales.

The Queen carried out the first investiture of her reign on 27 February, 1952, after succeeding George VI.

Twenty-two investitures are held each year in London, one or two at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and one in Cardiff.