Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has become an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
Duchess Camilla
The 69-year-old royal was bestowed the honour during a ceremony held in Skinners' Hall in London on Thursday (26.01.17) where she was presented with a vellum certificate and an engraved ladle - which was a tool formerly used by plumbers when casting objects from molten lead.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Duchess said of her gift: "I am delighted to accept and promise you I won't be using it any time soon."
The ceremony was performed by the Master of the historic organisation - which has been in existence for around 650 years - and friend of the Duchess, Brian Wadsworth, who described the event as a "proud moment".
He wrote in a report published on the Company's website: Today was a proud moment for our Company, when Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall was admitted as an Honorary Liveryman at our Court meeting at Skinners' Hall.
"Following her clothing she joined the Master to sign our Admissions Book and was presented with an illuminated certificate on vellum, a copy of which is retained by our Company.
"After a formal Court photograph, the Master introduced each member of our Court before escorting Her Royal Highness down the main staircase to the lower landing, where he presented the Company's gift - an engraved, silver gilt ladle bearing the Company's arms, the dedication and date and on the handle the words 'I was wrought by command of the Livery'."
Brian also states that Duchess Camilla stayed at the event long after her scheduled departure time, and spoke "individually" to around 150 Liverymen.
He continued: "In a remarkable gesture of goodwill towards our Company, Her Royal Highness stayed on past her scheduled departure time and managed to meet and speak individually to very nearly 150 Liverymen, partners and guests at the reception before departing.
"She was very complimentary about the warmth and goodwill shown by all present and hopes to be able to join us again on another occasion."