Major-General Sir William Cubitt KCVO, CBE receives the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall.

North Norfolk landowner Major-General Sir William Cubitt, who was in charge of the military pomp at last year’s royal wedding, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

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Sir William, 52, who lives in the North Walsham area and is involved with managing a family estate, received the honour at the capital’s Guildhall last week in recognition of his continued support and work with the City of London Corporation.

During his four years in command of the army’s presence in London, from 2007 to 2011, he provided troops for events in the City, such as The Lord Mayor’s Show, and promoted the army with the City authorities and community.

As General Officer Commanding London District, Sir William was in charge of the military aspects of the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton last April.

Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

The honour can be offered to individuals by the City of London Corporation to help celebrate a significant achievement, or to pay tribute to their outstanding contribution to London life.

But many of the so-called traditional privileges associated with the Freedom, such as driving sheep over London Bridge or being hanged with a silken rope, no longer exist.

The City of London Corporation has a wide-ranging brief which includes promoting the City as a world centre for finance and business.

Sir William said: “I am hugely honoured to be given the Freedom of the City of London in the presence of The Lord Mayor. It is an ancient and special honour that will remind me of four very interesting and happy years in London during which I have particularly enjoyed close contact with the City of London.”

He has now left the army and lives in Norfolk with his wife Lucy. He takes a keen interest in the countryside, woodlands, conservation and farming.