Shropshire MP Philip Dunne joined the Royal Family at St George’s Chapel in Windsor when Prince William was installed as the 1,000th member of the Order of the Garter.The Ludlow MP and his family were there to watch Mr Dunne’s father Sir Thomas Dunne become the 1,001st Knight of the Garter – the highest honour the monarch can bestow.

Sir Thomas retired last year after 31 years as Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire. The former Guards officer was also Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire from 1998 to 2001.

Prince Harry and his brother’s girlfriend Kate Middleton found the sight of Prince William in robes and plumed headgear highly amusing, and Miss Middleton’s presence at the ancient ceremony increased speculation she will soon become a full-time member of the royal family.

Mr Dunne said: “It was an absolutely splendid occasion. We all rushed out after the ceremony to watch the procession, and I found myself standing behind Prince Harry and Kate Middleton.”

The south Shropshire MP was back in Parliament this afternoon to open a debate on the future of Shropshire’s post offices, urging the Government to halt the controversial closure programme.

He said the debate was the last chance to persuade the minister to intervene. “I will be challenging the Post office minister Pat McFadden to explain why it is that 30 per cent of post offices in the Ludlow constituency have been targeted to close, twice the average level of closure elsewhere,” he said.